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LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - APRIL 21: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Houston Rockets during the second half of Game Two of the NBA Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on April 21, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Two prominent ESPN hosts didn’t believe the Los Angeles Lakers stood a chance against the Houston Rockets in Game 6 on Friday night.

Just like many doubted the Lakers ahead of Game 1 against Houston, they were doubted before Game 6. The results are looking similar.

Stephen A. Smith and Kendrick Perkins dropped strong opinions on LeBron James and the Lakers, just to watch the quotes age terribly hours later. Perkins didn’t shy away from his words or make excuses.

The former NBA big man took to social media to take accountability for his take.

What Did Kendrick Perkins Say Before The Game?

GettySAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 09: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers dribbles the ball against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center on April 09, 2026 in San Francisco, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

“The Rockets are going to win this series! The Rockets have everything on their side. This series now, this series have completely favored the Houston Rockets,” Perkins claimed.

“Think about this now; this Lakers team is being led by a 41-year-old senior citizen in LeBron James. … The Rockets’ youth, the physicality, it’s kicking in. The Rockets are playing for the name on the front of their jersey, and they are playing for the name on the back of their jersey. This young core right now is proving a point. Not only a point to the world, but they are proving a point to Kevin Durant. They are saying to KD we can win without you.”

The Lakers had a 3-0 lead over the Rockets, before Houston finally got on the board with a victory.

Without Kevin Durant, the Rockets found some momentum by firing off two wins to get the series to Game 6. Still, the Lakers weren’t defeated. On Friday, it was evident early on that the Lakers weren’t willing to lay down for Houston.

Before the third quarter concluded, Perkins rushed to social media.

Kendrick Perkins Has A Message For The Lakers

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 28: Lebron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers in action against the Sacramento Kings at Crypto.com Arena on December 28, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

via Kendrick Perkins on X: Definitely wasn’t expecting and 41 year old Bron James to have this type of energy but I knew better than to underestimate the 🐐 God Bless America.

As of the timing of Perkins’ message, the Lakers still had a quarter left to go. LA had generated a 20-point lead over the Rockets.

Just as he’s done all season long, LeBron James put together a stellar showing. Before the fourth quarter approached, James had 22 points and six assists.

The Lakers are well on their way to advancing to the second round. The Oklahoma City Thunder will be waiting.