Kendrick Perkins Got Confused on Why LeBron James Was Wearing a Durag During the Warmup

During ESPN’s pregame broadcast for Saturday’s LA Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets game, Kendrick Perkins expressed confusion regarding LeBron James’ attire.

As James sported a durag, Perkins raised questions about its significance. The durag, popularized in the 1990s, faced prohibition when worn on the court for the first time in 2000. However, it remains permissible during pregame activities and postgame interviews, highlighting its enduring presence in basketball culture.

“Why is he wearing a durag?” Perkins asked. “Because he means business, Perk,” Malika Andrews replied. Although LeBron James hasn’t worn a durag during a game, he has frequently donned the gear during warm-ups, warm-downs, and even during practices. Although durags have long been connected to African-American culture, players also use them to protect their hairstyles.

When LeBron James wears a durag during warmups, it’s a huge deal because he doesn’t do it so often these days. According to Jalen Rose, a former NBA player and current pundit, James wears a durag to protect his unit.

Jalen Rose Explained the Real Reason Behind LeBron James Wearing the Durag

Rose highlighted an incident where LeBron James’ hairline shifted while wearing a headband during a game, witnessed by Anthony Davis. He clarified that James uses the durag to secure a device in place. James’ receding hairline is a well-known topic, with figures like Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley playfully urging him to embrace baldness.

The history of durags in the NBA dates back to Sam Perkins, who became the first player to wear one during a game. However, when Perkins sported a durag during an Indiana Pacers game, NBA commissioner David Stern and the league swiftly banned the item due to concerns over player safety.