Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) gestures against Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Charles Barkley Sends Harsh Message to Lakers’ LeBron James

Originally posted on Los Angeles Lakers on SI
By Nelson Espinal | Last updated Aug 27, 2025 5:00 PM ET

Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James was the subject of some tough comments from NBA legend Charles Barkley.

James is currently at a crossroads in his career. He is entering the 23rd season of his career at the age of 40.

At this point, the Lakers are built around guard Luka Doncic, with James cast as a player who is meant to support Doncic's efforts.

Considering his age and the wear and tear on his body, it makes sense for the Lakers to pair James with Doncic to take some of the load off.

Barkley, though, feels like James is destined to leave a team that is not building around him.

“LeBron is going to have to move on at some point. I mean, it is what it is. You know, he’s been there, even though he’s been putting up good numbers; they haven’t been successful in probably four years," Barkley said in an interview on the Bet MGM Network.

"It’s already probably Luka’s team now. You don’t sign, trade for Luka Doncic, give him all that money, and it’s not his team.”

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Over the summer, James, through his agent Rich Paul, issued a statement regarding his doubts over his future with the Lakers.

The statement was the first indication that James was actually considering leaving Los Angeles, the team that many expected to be his last.

"LeBron wants to compete for a championship," Paul said in a statement. "He knows the Lakers are building for the future. He understands that, but he values a realistic chance of winning it all.

"We understand the difficulty in winning now while preparing for the future. We do want to evaluate what's best for LeBron at this stage in his life and career.

"He wants to make every season he has left count, and the Lakers understand that, are supportive and want what's best for him."

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While rumors circulated about a potential trade, no deal materialized, and now, with a little more than a month to go before the start of the preseason, James appears set to stay with the Lakers.

He is a free agent after this season and could part ways with the Lakers without needing to rely on a trade.

Some contenders would love to add James, even at his advanced age, though he could also end up retiring.

Regardless of what his future holds, he will likely play another season with the Lakers, or at least start it, and a trade could be revisited in the middle of the season, when all parties will have a clearer understanding of their standings.