Charles Barkley Says It's Time For LeBron to Move On From Lakers

Charles Barkley recently opined that LeBron James should move on from the Lakers, arguing that the team has already moved on from him. 

LeBron James may be going into his 21st NBA season, but the legendary hooper doesn't seem to be slowing down. During the 2024-25 season, the wing player averaged 25.4 points per game with 9 rebounds and 5.6 assists. 

James also got himself a new running mate in all-world guard Luka Doncic who was acquired in return for Anthony Davis. The Lakers also added Marcus Smart and DeAndre Ayton this offseason. Despite these moves, Barkley believes it's time for James to leave. He told Bet MGM's Kate Constable and Cam Smith: 

"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."

While Barkley is right that Doncic may now be the focal point of the team, James is a famously good teammate who is willing to adapt his game to his teammate's strengths.  

If James was to ever move on from the Lakers, it is likely that he would be looking to play for a contender, possibly in a major city. Still, James has been in Los Angeles for a long time and is playing with his son. He may not want to leave that situation.