Charles Barkley Reveals Bold Prediction About LeBron James' Future

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Taylor Hartman | Last updated Mar 14, 2025 10:21 PM ET

Charles Barkley, never one to shy away from controversy, recently offered a bold take on LeBron James during TNT's "Inside the NBA." During the Lakers ' playoff push, Barkley's comments focused on James' current injury situation and strategic decisions. "He wasn't going to play, anyway," Barkley said. "He stayed in New York because it was New York. He didn't want to go to Milwaukee because it's Milwaukee. That's why he flew back home."

Barkley's critique came as James continues to recover from a left groin strain, which he sustained during a game against the Boston Celtics. The injury has sidelined the 40-year-old Lakers star, leaving fans eager for updates on his return. Despite optimism about James' condition, his agent Rich Paul has said there's no fixed timeline, emphasizing that "LeBron knows his body better than anybody."

"The man stayed in New York because it's New York," Barkley asserted. "He wasn't going to Milwaukee for any reason. That's why he flew home, this ain't about the injury."

The Lakers, currently in fourth place in the Western Conference, face mounting pressure to maintain their playoff position. With James averaging 25 points, 8.5 assists, and 8.2 rebounds this season, his absence presents a significant challenge. As the team adapts to playing without their star, the spotlight intensifies on how they will fare amid Barkley's blunt critique and the uncertainty surrounding James' return.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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