Charles Barkley points out what JJ Redick got wrong playing LeBron James as a center

Charles Barkley harped on JJ Redick's decision to play 40-year-old LeBron James at the center position as a key reason for the Lakers' series loss.

Charles Barkley points out what JJ Redick got wrong playing LeBron James as a center

LeBron James, Charles Barkley (Images via Instagram)

When the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic in early February, there was a clear understanding that the Lakers were perhaps punting their 2024-25 season in an attempt to secure long-term stability. After all, they had a good thing going on with Anthony Davis and LeBron James under head coach JJ Redick. The team had put together a great run of results in the days leading up to the Doncic trade.

However, it was abundantly clear even at that time that the Lakers’ roster had a lot of holes requiring filling. But when Doncic and James went on a run of good results – including wins over Denver and OKC – people looked past these gaps on their roster and proclaimed them to be true contenders. Despite the Lakers’ patchy run during the final few weeks of the regular season, this perception remained.

Redick’s decision to play small ball took a big hit during the first few games of the series. Yet, the rookie head coach remained steadfast in his decision to use LeBron James as his center. Jaxson Hayes, who started the first four games, saw no playing time in this win-or-go-home game. James had already shown signs of fatigue during the clutch periods of games 3 and 4. It came to the fore during their elimination game as well.

Charles Barkley had been singled out as an outspoken critic of the team because of his negative outlook during the regular season. When he pointed out that the Lakers had only played a few hot weeks, Barkley got a lot of heat. Even though he was vindicated by the Lakers’ play, the Hall of Famer opted to stay above board in his critique. Speaking on Redick’s decision not to play Hayes, Barkley deemed it a foolhardy one.

He shouldn’t have played a 40-year-old guy (at center). LeBron had nothing tonight. He was just settling for jump shots. He went to the basket a couple of times, but he settled for jump shots. I think when guys settle for jump shots, that’s fatigue.

Charles Barkley on how JJ Redick misused LeBron James

Charles Barkley went off on Luka Doncic and LeBron James

During the same postgame segment, Barkley continued to pile on the Lakers’ lack of athleticism and defense. The 1992-93 NBA MVP harped on their inability to stop top perimeter stars from scoring. While he admitted that the Lakers could’ve done better with Mark Williams, he also said there were more issues. According to Barkley, the Lakers’ best players Luka Doncic and LeBron James can’t guard anyone.

LeBron James, Luka Doncic and Los Angeles Lakers have to elevate their game
LeBron James, Luka Doncic and the Los Angeles Lakers have to elevate their game

#1, they’ve gotta get some more athletic ability. They can’t guard anybody. So they’re gonna have to find somebody to cover for LeBron and Luka defensively. ‘Cuz LeBron doesn’t play defense any more, Luka can’t guard a chair. You’re gonna have to have Wilt, Kareem and Bill Russell back there blocking shots if they’re gonna keep anybody in front of them.

Charles Barkley blasted LeBron James and Luka Doncic’s defensive abilities

On the whole, Barkley’s point has been validated by the Lakers’ late-game defense. While James has been great at rotating over on occasions for help defense, he hasn’t had a motor to match his opponents. Rudy Gobert, his opposite number at the center position, had the best game of his playoff career. Gobert compiled 27 points, 24 rebounds and dominated the paint on both ends of the floor.

James also conceded quite a few backdoor cuts. Although he racked up highlights blocking the likes of Donte DiVincenzo and Anthony Edwards, these plays were few and far between. The Lakers definitely need a defensively sturdy center to navigate playoff runs against the loaded Western Conference.

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