Charles Barkley Tells LeBron James to Consider Leaving Lakers
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NBA Hall of Famer and television analyst Charles Barkley said it may be time for LeBron James to look for a new team, arguing that the Los Angeles Lakers have not given the four-time MVP a real chance to contend in recent seasons.
“LeBron is going to have to move on at some point. I mean, it is what it is,” Barkley told the BetMGM Network, noting that despite James’ strong numbers, “they haven’t been successful in probably four years.”
Barkley added that he views the Dallas Mavericks as the second-best club in the Western Conference behind the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder, underscoring his belief that Los Angeles is far from the top tier.
Contract and roster complications
James, 40, is earning $52.63 million this season. Under the league’s new collective bargaining agreement, moving a contract of that size is described as “next to impossible.” The Lakers are now built around Luka Dončić after sending Anthony Davis to Dallas in a mid-season deal. “It’s already probably Luka’s team now,” Barkley said. “You don’t trade for Luka Dončić, give him all that money, and it’s not his team.”
James has done little to quiet speculation about his future. In June, his agent Rich Paul issued a carefully worded statement to ESPN, thanking the Lakers while emphasizing that James wants every remaining season to “count,” a remark widely interpreted as pressure on the front office to build a contender.
Lingering frustrations
After Los Angeles was eliminated by the Minnesota Timberwolves last spring, James cited the club’s lack of interior size. He referenced Davis’ January plea for help at center—one that went unaddressed before Davis was shipped to Dallas. The Lakers have since tried to plug the middle with former No. 1 overall pick Deandre Ayton.
Although James and Davis later hinted on social media at a desire to reunite, Barkley’s stance remains straightforward: if James wants one more legitimate run at a championship, he may need to pursue it outside Hollywood.
Source: Hoops Wire
