As Kendrick Perkins blamed Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick for the collapse in Game 4 against the Minnesota Timberwolves, the basketball analyst's focus wasn't just on him. While Lakers star Luka Doncic has been the topic of conversation after the 116-113 Game 4 loss, Perkins would humble the player, even giving some credit to Dallas Mavericks general manager Nico Harrison.

Offensively, Doncic had an impeccable game for Los Angeles with 38 points in 46 minutes, but his defense would be called out as Anthony Edwards was the one being praised for his two-way outing, highlighted by scoring 43 points. Perkins would say on ESPN's “First Take” that Edwards is “built different,” that he will win a title before Doncic does, and even saying he sees what Harrison “was talking about.”

“Watching the fourth quarter, the second half, the fourth quarter in particular, I saw what Nico Harrison was talking about,” Perkins said. “When it comes down to the reason why he traded Luka. He traded Luka because he felt that the Dallas Mavericks were not going to be able to win a championship with Luka. We all know this. I didn't feel that way watching the game, looking at Anthony Edwards. I'm saying to myself, Anthony Edwards is going to win a championship before Luka Doncic. Anthony Edwards is built different. Anthony Edwards is a better all-around basketball player than Luka Doncic.”

Kendrick Perkins further speaks on Luka Doncic

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) calls a timeout after stumbling on the defense of Minnesota Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels (3) in the fourth quarter during game four of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
Matt Blewett-Imagn Images

With the Lakers now down 3-1 in the series to the Timberwolves, it seems likely that they will lose the series since there have been only 13 times where a team has come back from that large of a deficit. Perkins would speak about blaming Redick for the minutes played to James, and also criticised Doncic for being outshone by Edwards.

“I could blame JJ Reddick, rightfully so, for the minutes that he played LeBron James at 40 years old,” Perkins said. “But like I said, Luka is young. He should have been able to play those 24 minutes straight. Anthony Edwards did, and Anthony Edwards thrived in those minutes. And so when I look at what he's done and what he's doing, not only did he send KD home last year, he sent Jokic home last year, he's now about to send LeBron and Luca home this season, because they're going to win this series.”

Despite the odds against them, a team with James has come back from a 3-1 series deficit, which was the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2016 NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors. Los Angeles looks to extend the series in Game 5 on Wednesday night on their home floor.