The Luka Doncic-for-Anthony Davis trade has left more questions than answers. One of the most intriguing is how Doncic and current Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James will fit together. For Charles Barkley, the answer is very simple: with great difficulties.
The dust from the massive trade between the Lakers and the Dallas Mavericks has not yet settled, leaving fans and analysts struggling to make sense of the move. The Mavericks were likely trying to avoid the risk of giving Doncic a supermax contract, while the Lakers sought a replacement for “King” James.
However, LeBron’s retirement remains unscheduled; in fact, the star forward is in top shape. This means head coach J.J. Redick will have to find a way to combine two such dominant players, and Barkley is clear that it is an almost impossible mission.
It won’t be easy, says Charles
In a recent interview with NBA TV, Barkley issued a warning to the Lakers, “This thing is not going to be smooth in LA with him [Doncic] and LeBron.” The former Phoenix Suns star noted that both players seek to have the ball as much as possible and dictate the pace of their teams.
Furthermore, he pointed out that the playing style of both stars depends on having the ball in their hands. “Luka just doesn’t move without the ball, LeBron just doesn’t move without the ball,” said Barkley, adding, “There’s going to be some serious growing pains with those two trying to play together.”
“Now, they’re both great players, don’t get me wrong,” said Barkley, “but LeBron wants the ball, and Luka definitely wants the ball. It’s going to be very interesting how that works out.”
And what about AD in Dallas?
On the other hand, Barkley felt that Anthony Davis’ transition to the Mavericks will be much simpler. “When Anthony Davis is healthy, it’s going to be a seamless transition to Dallas, plain and simple.”
With 17 years on the court and having gone through two major transitions in his career, Barkley knows what he’s talking about. It remains to be seen if James can adapt to Luka Doncic as he did with Dwyane Wade in Miami, Kyrie Irving in Cleveland, or Davis in Los Angeles. If he does, the Lakers will be the most dangerous team in the NBA.
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