Addressing the recent victory of the Los Angeles Lakers against the Golden State Warriors the other day, broadcaster Charles Barkley has also reflected on the presence of Zhuri James in the stands as a talisman for the team, claiming she is the ultimate figure they need to sign.
He explained that a blowout victory like the one they got is not enough to satisfy his needs and earn his total respect. Centering on a wholesome pre-game routine between LeBron James and his daughter Zhuri, Barkley blasted the whole Lakers’ roster for its lack of depth.
“Maybe they should sign her”
The segment on NBA on ESPN began hot enough. The broadcast aired footage of LeBron finishing his pre-game warmups with Zhuri by his side. In a particularly charming highlight, Zhuri was seen throwing a perfectly timed lob pass to her father, which he flushed home with ease.
Barkley’s initial reaction was uncharacteristically kind. “That’s so cute,” he commented, watching the duo. However, his sentimentality lasted only seconds. Right after it, he claimed:
“Maybe they should sign her. She’d be like the 6th or 7th best player on the team.”
His comment was seen as a direct dig at the Lakers’ supporting cast, suggesting that an 11-year-old with a good lob pass could be even better than some of the players that form the Los Angeles bench. Ouch.
The Zhari James’ effect
While Barkley might think the Lakers’ bench is thin, LeBron sees things differently. As we reported recently, James has credited Zhuri as the team’s “good luck charm,” noting that the Lakers are undefeated (1-0) when she is in the building.
Whether the Lakers’ front office actually takes Barkley’s words as offensive is their choice, but the narrative is clear: in the eyes of Sir Charles, until the Lakers’ bench proves they can win without Bron or Luka doing the heavy lifting, they remain a joke for one of the harshest commentators in sports.
Read the full article here
