In an interview on The Dan Patrick Show, Barkley suggested that the injury preventing LeBron from playing this season is just a common back ache that comes with old age.

“He’s just old. Everybody gets old,” Barkley said. “He says it’s sciatica. You know what that means, Dan? Yeah, I know his back hurts. All old people’s back hurt, Dan. All old people’s back hurt. You can dress it up like sciatica. You can come up with all these medical terms. LeBron is old”.

Amid this backdrop, following the Lakers‘ victory against the Timberwolves, Dave McMenamin of ESPN reported that Coach JJ Redick indicated James’ return would likely be the second or third week of November.

At 40 years old, LeBron James is set to compete in his 23rd NBA season, which would make him the only player in league history to reach that milestone, breaking the tie with Vince Carter, who played 22 seasons in the league.

Austin Reaves steps up in James and Doncic’s absence

After losing the season opener to the Warriors and winning the second game against the Timberwolves without LeBron, Luka Doncic sustained an injury that sidelined him for the next three contests. However, with both superstars out of the lineup, Austin Reaves took over as the team’s primary leader and playmaker.

Over the last three contests, the Lakers have compiled a 2-1 record. Reaves scored a career-high 51 points in the win against the Kings, followed that with 41 points in the loss to the Blazers, and finally notched 28 points, sinking the game-winner in the victory against the Timberwolves.

“I remember Charles Barkley got drafted to a team with Moses Malone, maybe Dr. J and Maurice Cheeks. Then I remember Charles Barkley going to Houston and then he teamed up with Hakeem Olajuwon and then Scottie Pippen was also there. That sounds like teaming up if I’m wrong… And now we’re talking about the second acre and exists. Did we forget our history? His own history,” Richard Jefferson said, via Road Trippin’ podcast.

While Charles Barkley has often criticized LeBron James for forming superteams, he attempted something similar by joining the Rockets in 1996 for league dominance. His effort did not succeed, but blaming LeBron solely for the creation of the second apron seems unfair. Stellar teams have long been part of the NBA‘s history, as seen with the Lakers during the eras of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson or the Bulls with Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen.

In 2023, the NBA introduced a second salary cap “apron” to rein in soaring player salaries and promote competitive balance. If implemented earlier, it might have complicated moves like LeBron James joining the Miami Heat or Kevin Durant’s shift to the Golden State Warriors. Similar scenarios in the late 1990s, such as Charles Barkley’s move to the Houston Rockets, demonstrate that it is not solely the fault of today’s veteran superstars.

Are the current salary cap rules helping the development of NBA’s young stars?

The NBA’s new salary rules have curtailed superteams, balancing competition and benefiting some franchises. Without the ability to stack lineups with stars, teams like the San Antonio Spurs, Minnesota Timberwolves and Oklahoma City Thunder are investing in youth. As a result, Victor Wembanyama, Anthony Edwards, Jalen Williams and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander have emerged as league stars, a feat less feasible if superstars were easily attainable.

Although young players have emerged as key solutions for franchises, having multiple potential superstars in the roster may not be sustainable in the future. Rising salaries could limit the team in the future, potentially forcing them to part with some stars if they fail to win championships that justify such spending. Consequently, new rules will significantly impact franchise futures despite boosting young talent.

“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,” Charles Barkley said, via BETMGM Network.

While LeBron James may no longer be the sole cornerstone of the Lakers, suggesting he is no longer integral to the team is quite controversial. During his brief absences in the 2024-25 season, JJ Redick’s squad noticeably struggled. The veteran remains a critical contributor on offense as the team’s second-leading scorer. Moreover, his defensive prowess and playmaking abilities continue to play a vital role in the team success.

Considering a franchise better suited to LeBron James than the Los Angeles Lakers is challenging—not because he lacks talent, but because the team has built a roster around his strengths. LeBron is vital to the franchise both athletically and as a brand icon. Even though a return to the Cleveland Cavaliers or Miami Heat might offer a compelling story, the financial commitment alongside a likely short contract makes such a move risky and improbable.

Lakers’ GM Rob Pelinka has repeatedly expressed his desire for LeBron James to finish his illustrious NBA career with the franchise. This clearly signals that the team will not pressure the seasoned superstar into retirement. Furthermore, even with Luka Doncic’s new contract in place, the financial structure accommodates James playing for some years, should he choose to continue.

Not only has the Lakers’ front office shown interest, but Luka Doncic himself has also expressed a strong desire to continue playing alongside LeBron James. Moreover, the NBA insider Anthony Irwin reports that both players have stayed in direct contact throughout the summer, highlighting a solid relationship that looks to be collaborative rather than competitive, without threatening either player’s position on the roster.

Considering that the Lakers are committed to retaining the veteran, both Luka Doncic and LeBron James are eyeing the 2025-26 NBA season as a prime opportunity to win the championship. With significant roster upgrades this summer, the franchise aims to clinch the coveted title. Achieving this would potentially mark the veteran’s fifth championship and bring the Slovenian star closer to securing his first MVP award.

During a recent episode of the Road Trippin’ podcast, ESPN analyst and former NBA champion Kendrick Perkins named Barkley the best player ever to fall short of an NBA championship. “Charles Barkley was ahead of his time,” Perkins said. “He had that ball on a string. The handles, the stepbacks—just think about what he had to do. I think his career average was something like 22 and 11, and he did it against monsters. He was a monster himself, but I’m talking about legit seven-footers guarding him night in and night out.”

Barkley was one of the most impactful power forwards the league has ever seen. Over 16 seasons, he reached the playoffs 13 times but made it to the NBA Finals only once—where he ran into the decade’s most dominant dynasty.

Charles Barkley’s journey

Barkley is widely regarded as one of the most skilled and complete players in NBA history, even without a championship to his name. Nicknamed “Sir Charles,” he burst onto the scene in 1984 after being selected in the first round of the NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. Despite standing just 6-foot-6, he made a name for himself with his relentless rebounding, elite scoring, and unorthodox ability to dominate from the power forward position.

After his time in Philadelphia, Barkley reached his peak with the Phoenix Suns, who acquired him in 1992. In his first season with the Suns, he won the league MVP award and led the team to the NBA Finals, where they faced off against Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. Barkley averaged 27.3 points and 13 rebounds per game during the series, but even that wasn’t enough to overcome a Bulls team in the middle of their historic run.

Barkley later joined the Houston Rockets in the twilight of his career, teaming up with fellow stars Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler—later replaced by Scottie Pippen—in a last-ditch effort to win a title. But injuries and a lack of chemistry derailed the Rockets’ plans, and Barkley never came as close to a championship again. He retired in 2000, ringless, but far from forgotten.

Despite the absence of a title, Barkley remains a revered figure in basketball. He was an 11-time All-Star, a member of the iconic Dream Team that won Olympic gold in Barcelona in 1992, and a 2006 inductee into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. His legacy lives on not only for what he accomplished on the court, but also for his candor and influence as a broadcaster in retirement. When the conversation turns to the greatest players never to win it all, Barkley is always at the top of the list—a generational talent who came within inches of finishing his career with the ultimate prize.

“I think (the Nuggets) and the Houston Rockets have probably had the best summers (in the NBA). And (the Nuggets), they’ve got the best player in the world (in Nikola Jokic)… They just needed some more depth… (They’ve) still got the best player. You want to give them as many opportunities as possible. But I thought they had a great summer,” Charles Barkley said, via The Denver Post.

The Nuggets’ performance in the postseason was solid, but their main problem was the lack of depth in their roster. As a result, they struggled to make game-changing plays from the bench, unlike the Indiana Pacers and Oklahoma City Thunder. To address this issue, they made significant additions with Jonas Valanciunas, Tim Hardaway Jr., and Cameron Johnson. They also reinforced their bench by bringing in Curtis Jones, Bruce Brown, and Tamar Bates.

Denver Nuggets make smart offseason moves that boost both roster talent and payroll flexibility

To make significant changes to its roster, the franchise needed to part ways with players carrying high-value contracts. One such player was Michael Porter Jr., whose contract was valued at $38.3 million. By trading him for Cam Johnson, the Nuggets reduced their salary cap by $17 million. This strategy focused on reducing the overall team payroll, allowing the team to strengthen its lineup with more depth and flexibility.

According to ESPN, the Denver Nuggets are projected to maintain a payroll that is $34 million below the second apron for the 2026-27 season. This strategic financial move not only reduces their salary obligations but also enhances their roster with high-impact players poised to transform games from the bench. These acquisitions hold the potential to vie for starting roles, further elevating the team’s competitive edge.

Can the Denver Nuggets contend for another NBA title after their latest roster moves?

In contrast to the 2024-25 season, the Denver Nuggets now boast significantly more talent coming off the bench. Jonas Valanciunas will likely play a pivotal role, providing valuable minutes to rest Nikola Jokic. Also, key additions like Tim Hardaway Jr and Cam Johnson are anticipated to make substantial contributions. With these enhancements, head coach David Adelman sets his sights high, eyeing a championship run with fewer constraints compared to other franchises.

“Well, he’s (LeBron) on the downside of his career; it’s Luka’s team going forward. But they’ve got bigger problems than those guys. They got to worry about the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Houston Rockets and the Denver Nuggets. The Lakers gonna have a good team, but everything in the West is gonna start with OKC, the Houston Rockets and Denver Nuggets,” Charles Barkley said, via Yahoo Sports.

The Los Angeles Lakers’ roster looked vulnerable against the Minnesota Timberwolves, as head coach JJ Redick made minimal substitutions, highlighting his limited trust in his rotation players. Consequently, many expected the franchise to bring in impactful players to strengthen the lineup from the bench. However, General Manager Rob Pelinka has not secured additional acquisitions, leaving NBA experts skeptical about their chances to shine on the court.

Not only have they lacked new arrivals, but also Western Conference franchises have made significant changes. For example, the Houston Rockets have kept most of their roster intact and have managed to incorporate Kevin Durant, securing an elite scorer to enhance their postseason chances. Similarly, the Nuggets have added Cam Johnson, Bruce Brown, Tim Hardaway Jr, and Jonas Valanciunas. Consequently, the Lakers seem less competitive compared to their biggest rivals.

Moreover, Charles Barkley has made a bold prediction about the future of the NBA, identifying the franchise he believes will dominate the league in the coming years. “They’re (Oklahoma City Thunder) gonna be the favorites the next three or four years. They’re young, they’re talented, they’re very well coached,” he affirmed, via Yahoo Sports.

The Thunder may not have made any blockbuster moves heading into the 2025-26 season, but they secured long-term commitments from their key players. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren have all re-signed, positioning the team for future dominance reminiscent of the Chicago Bulls of the 1990s.

“$70 million a year… to dribble a ***** basketball,” Barkley began in classic fashion. But he also added, “God bless these guys,” recalling a time in his own career when he was making more than legends like Dr. J (Julius Erving) and Bill Russell.

To Barkley, players like Booker should be smiling all the time with paychecks like that. “…but these guys? They should be in a good mood 24/7.” With the extension, Booker now holds the highest salary among all Suns players.

What was Barkley’s highest salary as a player?

According to Spotrac, his final NBA paycheck was the largest of his playing career—$9 million for one season with the Houston Rockets in 1999. Just a year earlier, he had made only $1 million. His biggest contract overall was a five-year deal worth $18.98 million.

Had Barkley played deeper into the 21st century, he likely would’ve earned far more. But by the 1999 season, he was already 36 years old and in one of his final three seasons—well past his MVP-contending days.

Barkley does just fine as a broadcaster

Despite his remarks about the sky-high salaries of today’s NBA stars, Barkley reportedly earns $21 million per year as an analyst. Yahoo! Sports and Front Office Sports noted that his 10-year, $210 million contract with TNT was signed in 2022.

“Well, he’d be the first hundred-million-dollar player,” Barkley said when asked about the kind of salary Jordan would command in today’s league, during an interview on The Dan Patrick Show.

To back up his take, Chuck pointed not only to MJ’s on-court talent but also to his off-court impact and the way it translated into dollars. “The three most important figures in NBA history are Magic Johnson, Larry Bird and Michael Jordan. There are a lot of great players, but there’s only a few guys who transcend the sport. I’ll throw Kobe (Bryant) in there, I’ll throw LeBron (James) in there, I’ll throw Steph (Curry),” said the 1993 MVP.

“Magic and Bird started the transformation, Michael Jordan took it to a whole another level. He got guys making a $100 million dollars for Nike now, and other shoe brands. That’s all Michael Jordan,” Barkley added. “When he started doing commercials, that changed everything for everybody. Because of Michael, I was making millions of dollars for wearing Nike. Nobody was doing that, nobody had a signature shoe.”

Barkley takes aim at today’s NBA players

While discussing the kind of money Jordan might make today, Barkley also shared his thoughts on the current generation of players. “Well, first of all, we’re gonna have guys making $70-80 million in three to four years, you know. Man, bless these guys as long as they appreciate how lucky they are and don’t think they’re making all that money because they’re great players. They were just born at the right time,” Chuck said.

“We got a bunch of great players, but man, these guys, I just hope they appreciate how lucky they are and stop this (expletive) with load management… You’re making $70 million dollars, you can’t play basketball four days a week? That’s the craziest stuff ever, man,” Barkley added.

Barkley weighs in on Michael Jordan joining NBA coverage

Just days ago, it was confirmed that Michael Jordan will be working with NBC on NBA coverage starting next season. Barkley also shared his thoughts on that move, though he seemed unsure about the role the Chicago Bulls icon will play. “I don’t know. I don’t see Michael being on television a lot. I find it hard to imagine, to be honest with you,” Charles said.

As for why NBC would pursue Jordan, the Phoenix Suns legend was blunt. “They have to do anything on their power to engage fans,” he said. Still, he was enthusiastic about the development: “I think it’s a very good thing that he’s back in the NBA landscape, knowing that he’s the greatest player in history in my eyes. I have no idea why he’s coming back, but he’s welcome.”

“The Pacers have got a good team. But OKC, they’re one of the best teams I’ve seen in a long time. They might be the deepest NBA team I’ve ever seen… That’s going to really negate the Pacers‘ bench, which helped them beat the Knicks…The Thunder, they’re bringing better players off the bench than the Pacers… (Indiana) have got a terrific bench, but Oklahoma City got better bench players,” Charles Barkley said, via Dan Patrick Show.

In this postseason, franchises boasting greater depth and superior bench quality have emerged as definitive game-changers. While the Thunder enjoy a substantial edge with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the reigning MVP who consistently impacts games, the true strength of Mark Daigneault’s squad lies in its versatile supporting cast. Players like Alex Caruso, Isaiah Joe, and Cason Wallace possess the ability to alter the game’s trajectory decisively.

Moreover, Jalen Williams stands poised to be another pivotal factor in the NBA Finals. Throughout the season, Williams has repeatedly demonstrated his capacity to lead the offense, even stepping up when the MVP needed to play more conservatively. His ability to shoulder the offensive load at crucial junctures solidifies his role as an indispensable asset for the Thunder.

Despite entering the series as underdogs, the Indiana Pacers have proven themselves as formidable contenders. They boast impressive form and possess both the quality and bench depth to rival the Thunder. In the Conference Finals, Bennedict Mathurin and Obi Toppin delivered pivotal performances off the bench, significantly impacting the game’s outcome. For that reason, Oklahoma City cannot afford to underestimate this resilient Pacers team.

In a press conference ahead of the Finals, Thunder head coach Mark Daigneault praised the Indiana Pacers’ development: “We have a lot of respect for them from afar…The program they’ve built, the way that they play, the identity they’ve built on the court, the way their guys play together. The whole is better than the sum of the parts with their team, which I think is the sign of a good team.”

Daigneault’s comments acknowledge the formidable challenge they face against a strong Pacers squad. Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, in particular, stand out with their stellar postseason performances. Fans eagerly anticipate a thrilling series, expecting a competitive and entertaining showdown between these two talented teams.

“Derrick Coleman was one of the few guys that I ever said that guy scared me right there…If that guy had got his stuff together, they would have had to change the rules. That guy had it all, he could shoot 3s, he could post up, he was ambidextrous. That guy, I said, ‘Woah, this is a handful right there’,” stated Charles Barkley.

Barkley did not suggest Derrick was a dirty player. Instead, he highlighted how rare Coleman’s talent truly was. Although he stood 6-foot-10 and was able to attack the paint with power. Also, he had a smooth shooting stroke. Additionally, the former Nets star excelled on defense thanks to his elite physical capacity. He blocked shots with ease and disrupted opposing offenses. Therefore, he dominated every area of the game and became nearly impossible to contain.

Even though Coleman was special, his numbers never reached elite levels such as Michael Jordan’s impressive numbers. Throughout his career, he averaged 16.5 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.5 assists in 781 games. Still, his value could not be measured by stats alone. He affected games in ways that did not show up on the box score. His most productive years came with the New Jersey Nets. There, he averaged 20.7 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists.

Not only did Charles praise Derrick Coleman, but former New Jersey Nets guard Kenny Anderson did the same. Anderson played with stars like Paul Pierce. However, he still named Coleman as the best player he ever shared the court with. He also offered a strong explanation to back up his claim.

“Now these guys shooting threes, he could shoot threes, but he didn’t because it was a different type of game. Left-handed, 6’9, dunk on you, pass the ball extremely well, just was an awesome player and a good person too,” stated on The Mark Jackson Show.

Perhaps Coleman’s inconsistency after leaving the Nets hurt his image with fans. He never posted the same numbers with another team. However, he stayed relevant as a top-tier defender. He brought impressive versatility during the final years of his career. Moreover, his legacy stands out. He was one of the first big men to dominate with both size and skill. His rare mix of talent and physicality set a different standard in the league.

“Listen. Michael, he can’t guard me in the post. He’s too little,” Barkley said in a recent interview on The Dan Patrick Show. “I said it to him a thousand times. ‘Little man, you’re in the wrong place at the wrong time.’”

The host immediately pointed out to Chuck that Jordan is actually taller than him (though both are officially listed at 6’6”). “He’s too little, though,” insisted the 1993 NBA MVP. “He can jump,” Patrick replied. “Yeah, he’s gonna fly. Because I’m going to hit him with my elbow, he’s going to fly,” responded the former forward.

The conversation then shifted to the opposite scenario—Barkley guarding Jordan. “I can’t guard him,” Charles admitted, before sharing a story from his playing days. “It was really funny. One time, we switched out, and I got in my defensive stance, and he just started laughing. He did. He looked at me and just started laughing. He just said, ‘Are you serious right now?’ And he actually passed the ball because he was laughing so hard.”

Barkley’s picks for the best defenders in NBA history

The topic of Jordan’s defense came up in response to a recent comment from Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr, who called Draymond Green the best defender he’s ever seen. “Draymond is a heck of a player, he’s a really good player, he’s a really good defender… But he’s not a better than Michael (Jordan), Kobe (Bryant), Dennis Rodman,” said the former Phoenix Suns star.

Dan Patrick then pointed out that Barkley hadn’t mentioned Scottie Pippen, claiming the Chicago Bulls legend could guard everybody. “He couldn’t guard me,” said Barkley. “They doubled me with Horace Grant. Let’s get that out the way. But I’ll agree. Scottie is a better defender than Draymond, I give him his flowers.”

Barkley felt unstoppable in his playing days

Finally, Charles Barkley shared his view on defense against NBA superstars. “There is no great player who can be stopped,” he said. “You can make him work hard. But that notion that you’re gonna stop a great player, that’s insane.”

Reflecting on his own NBA career, the former forward was candid. “I never had to worry about that… I felt like I was going to get double teamed 95% of the time. I never thought that one guy could guard me,” he said. “I’m not even worried about the guy that guards me. Because I’m always looking past the defender. I don’t care who it is. I don’t care if it’s Rodman, I don’t care if it is Kevin McHale, who was a great defender, the best player I ever played against.”