Charles Barkley expects Luka Doncic to have rough start to Lakers career playing alongside LeBron James
Charles Barkley was stunned the Los Angeles Lakers gave up Anthony Davis to bring in Luka Doncic to play alongside LeBron James.
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Charles Barkley believes Luka Doncic will struggle to play alongside LeBron James
Charles Barkley was jolted by the news about the blockbuster trade involving Luka Doncic and Anthony Davis. As the Los Angeles Lakers and Dallas Mavericks move on from their respective superstars, the Hall of Famer understood that this changes the situation for another soon to be Hall of Famer LeBron James.
The 40-year-old superstar is in the twilight of his career and has revealed that he does not have much time left in the game. That meant, all season long the conversations surrounding the Lakers was about what additional help they were going to give James in order to fight for another title.
Most recently, James has been vocal about needing more help. Along with him, Anthony Davis called the front office out for not adding a traditional center he could play with. However, the front office clearly had other plans as this deal was kept under wraps until they could finalize it.
Now that the dust has started to settle, the focus comes back to how this trade impacts the Lakers and specifically LeBron James. Charles Barkley was on NBA TV earlier and was asked how Doncic could play alongside his idol James.
This thing is not going to be smooth in LA with him and LeBron. Because both of them want the ball 100% of the time. Luka does not move without the ball. LeBron does not move without the ball. There’s going to be some serious growing pains when those two try to play together.
Charles Barkley said
"This thing is not going to be smooth in LA with [Luka] and LeBron." 😳
— NBA TV (@NBATV) February 2, 2025
Charles Barkley on how Anthony Davis and Luka Dončić fit with their new squads 🤝 pic.twitter.com/4nA5sUApX3
Barkley believes Luka Doncic and James playing together is a problem. Their similar styles could lead to struggles early on, unless one of them learns to play off the ball. However, these struggles could push the Los Angeles Lakers out of the playoff spots.
Charles Barkley excited for Anthony Davis at Mavericks
On the other hand, the Hall of Famer is excited about the situation developing at the Dallas Mavericks. They might have let go of their generational superstar but trading for Anthony Davis was them sending a message. Charles Barkley believes it will work out for the Mavericks.
When Anthony Davis is healthy, it’s gonna be a seamless transition to Dallas, plain and simple.
Charles Barkley said
The round mound of rebound believes the All-NBA 1st team defense Davis is the third best center behind Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid. If his teammates can help offset any battles against them, the Dallas Mavericks have a great chance at returning to the NBA Finals.
A starting five featuring Daniel Gafford, Davis, PJ Washington, Klay Thompson and Kyrie Irving can be a worry for opponents. Now they have the size, skill and defensive prowess to take on the best. Last season’s NBA Finals loss seemed to have pushed them to change direction and solve their problems.
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Joseph Varghese
(2396 Articles Published)