'Wish LeBron James would retire': Kendrick Perkins feels LA Lakers star should quit and not hurt his legacy

The offseason speculation with regard to LA Lakers' LeBron James has already kicked off with many eager to know his next move. The star basketballer has remained tight-lipped about his future plansand hasn't provided his fans with any specific answers. James -- with a player option worth $51.4 million -- can either choose to opt-out and explore free agency or decide to retire altogether. Amid all this, one of James' ardent supporters and NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins hopes James will choose the latter and quit.

'MoreJames continues to play,more it's going to hurt his legacy'

Perkins feels James should preserve his legacy by leaving at the right time and retiring this offseason. He shared his thoughtswhile making an appearance on ESPN's 'First Take' and said, "I wish LeBron James would retire. Not because I don't want to see more of LeBron James. The more LeBron James continues to play the game of basketball, the more it's going to hurt his legacy and the more it's going to continue to hurt his GOAT argument."

Perkins was quick to point out that if James stays, continues to play and doesn't win a title, he will receive more criticism.

"It never comes down to accountability with Bron when he has losing seasons or gets eliminated,” Perkins said of his former Cleveland Cavaliers teammate.

Not only this, the NBA analyst also slammed James for sending subliminal messages at the trade window and called out the veteran player for not having much belief in his teammates.

James has blown hot and cold this season at the Lakers and the team is alreadyout of the playoffs race. It will be interesting to see what the superstar player does next and by when does he givemore clarity to his fans and supporters.