“LeBron James, he's one of the most powerful, iconic individuals in the world” – Former NBA champion asserts LeBron James is capable of altering NBA’s decision on Kyrie Irving

LeBron James has the ear of most people in the world, and Kendrick Perkins believes he should utilize that to help Kyrie Irving. The former NBA wants James to take some action in regards to getting Irving back on the court.

LBJ condemned Irving's actions, saying it hurt a lot of people. But he also believes it is time for the former NBA champ to get back on the floor. The LA Lakers captain highlighted that Irving has apologized and should be able to play.

On ESPN's "First Take," Perkins was asked what he thought about James' comments. He said he agreed with the four-time champ, stating that Irving should be allowed to play:

"When you think about LeBron James, he's one of the most powerful, iconic individuals in the world, not just in the sports world, in the world. So, if he really wanted to go forward with this and he really wanted to take action, that was just the first step.

"Now make those phone calls, use your sources. Use your power to actually get it done. So that Kyrie Irving don't have to go through that whole entire list that they put out that he has to do before he's able to return to the game."

Perkins continued:

"LeBron James, we keep talking about this. One of the guys in the league that everyone looks up to. One of the guys that he could make a phone call at the drop of a dime and get a conference call with all the most powerful individuals in the game today.

"Whether they're Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the list goes on. And then come together collectively to get Kyrie Irving back on the floor. But I do agree with LeBron James. What Kyrie Irving is asked to do after he already apologized is absurd, and it's disrespectful to this point."

The Nets released a list of conditions Irving had to meet before he is allowed back on the court. He was suspended for at least five games and has been on the sidelines for the Nets' past four.

---

LeBron James reportedly wanted the Lakers to trade for Kyrie Irving in the offseason

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets.

James and Irving had a great connection on the court during their time with the Cleveland Cavaliers. It was reported that LBJ believed Irving was going to make the Lakers contenders.

Due to the drama that comes with Irving, every team steered clear of the All-Star guard during the offseason. Despite the Lakers' interest, they were unwilling to give out their future draft picks in exchange for Irving.

Although it was years ago, James and Irving made magic while playing together. They reached the NBA Finals for three consecutive years and pulled off a record-setting 3-1 comeback during the 2016 finals.

---

The NBPA is against the Nets conditions

The National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) is not comfortable with the conditions set out for Irving's return. Their stance was made public by the vice president, Jaylen Brown.

In an interview with the Boston Globe, Brown said:

"I don’t believe Kyrie Irving is antisemitic. I don’t think people in our governing bodies think he’s antisemitic. He made a mistake. We understand from an outside perspective how important sensitivity is to not condone hate speech and not condone anything of that nature. It’s sensitivity to the dialect around that.

"We don’t want to stand up for somebody in order to not condemn hate speech, but I don’t believe Kyrie Irving is antisemitic. And hopefully, the NBA feels the same way."

Brown added:

"But I’m expecting the NBPA to appeal the suspension from Brooklyn. The terms, etc., that went into his return. The terms for his return, they seem like a lot, and a lot of the players expressed discomfort with the terms.”

Irving has made strides to remedy the situation, starting with an apology. However, no official report has been made on whether the Nets will lift the conditions.