Former NBA center and current television analyst Kendrick Perkins has revealed that one specific comment he made destroyed his long-standing friendship with former Oklahoma City Thunder teammate Russell Westbrook.
The disclosure appeared in a New York Post story published on Oct. 5, 2025. According to the report, Perkins said the remark created an irreparable rift between the two players, who were close during their seasons together in Oklahoma City.
Perkins did not publicly repeat the exact words he believes sparked the fallout, but he told the Post the comment was serious enough that the two have not repaired their relationship since.
The former center and Westbrook played together with the Thunder from 2011 to 2015, reaching the NBA Finals in 2012. Perkins has transitioned to broadcasting since retiring in 2018, while Westbrook remains an active NBA player.
No further details about the remark or any subsequent contact between the two were provided in the Post report.
Source: New York Post
