NBA legend Charles Barkley questions LeBron James’ future with the Lakers

NBA legend Charles Barkley has never been one to shy away from blunt opinions, and his latest remarks about LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers are no exception.

Speaking on the BetMGM Network with Kate Constable and Cam Smith, the outspoken Hall of Famer suggested that the four-time NBA champion should consider leaving the Lakers, as the franchise begins to pivot toward Luka Doncic as its centerpiece.

“LeBron is going to have to move on at some point. It is what it is,” Barkley said. “Even though he’s been there and putting up good numbers, they haven’t been successful in probably four years. It’s already Luka’s team now. You don’t sign and trade for Luka Doncic, give him all that money, and it’s not his team.”

Chuck suggests that LeBron leave LAhttps://t.co/cV4qxMWMSP

— Fadeaway World (@FadeawayWorld) August 24, 2025

Barkley’s comments highlight a difficult reality for the Lakers. Since winning the 2020 NBA championship, Los Angeles has advanced past the first round of the playoffs just once. James, however, has remained a model of consistency, earning All-NBA honors in each of the last five seasons despite turning 40 this year.

What complicates the situation further is James’ contract. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer is still the highest-paid player on the roster, set to earn $52 million in the 2025–26 season. Yet, James has repeatedly shown a willingness to adapt his game to complement his teammates, as he did with Anthony Davis in past campaigns and is now expected to do with Doncic.

Barkley also pointed to the increasingly competitive Western Conference as another reason why James’ path with the Lakers may be nearing its end. Teams like the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets have retooled during the offseason, while reigning champions Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves continue to pose serious threats.

For now, James has not addressed Barkley’s remarks. He recently exercised his $52.5 million player option to remain with the Lakers and has reportedly expressed his determination to lead the team in pursuit of another NBA title.

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