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‘Not his team…’ Charles Barkley believes LeBron James must make LA Lakers decision soon

Originally posted on NBA Analysis Network
By Aaditya Krishnamurthy | Last updated Aug 25, 2025 11:19 AM ET

Charles Barkley made some bold claims about LeBron James and his future with the LA Lakers ahead of the new season.

LeBron James is heading into his 23rd NBA season, but it could be his final one with the Los Angeles Lakers.

We saw signs that the relationship between the two sides was strained when LeBron James took his $52.6 million Lakers player option.

In years past, James would reject his player option and negotiate a new contract with the Lakers. And with reports that the Lakers will let James walk in free agency next year, there is major doubt over his future.

Now, former NBA star Charles Barkley is challenging LeBron James to make a big decision over his LA Lakers future.

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Charles Barkley says LeBron James must ‘move on’ from LA Lakers

Charles Barkley spoke on the Bettor Angle podcast recently about LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers heading into the new season.

He believes that LeBron James is better off moving on to a different team. Despite his efforts, the Lakers haven’t found success. And after Luka Doncic’s arrival, James has lost his importance to the team.

“LeBron is going to have to move on at some point. It is what it is. You know. Even though he’s been there, even though he’s been 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.”

LeBron James and Luka Doncic hoping to compete for a title next season

If this is indeed LeBron James’ final season with the Lakers, what better way to go out than by winning an NBA championship?

Doncic and James are perhaps the most talented duo in the NBA. While the Lakers’ roster isn’t perfect, they have possibly the best 1-2 punch combination in the league.

James and Doncic are also excellent at elevating the players around them. Given the level of the roster, the Lakers will need their powers of elevation now more than ever.

In a stacked Western Conference, James and Doncic will have a tall task in front of them. But if any pairing is equipped to get it done, it’s this one.

This article first appeared on NBA Analysis Network and was syndicated with permission.

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