Charles Barkley Has Ridiculous Take on LeBron James Retirement

The Los Angeles Lakers' superstar is used to receiving unfair criticism but the latest one is even more ridiculous than usual.
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
facebooktwitterreddit

LeBron James never ceases to amaze basketball fans with what he is capable of doing as he ages. After the best age-39 regular season in NBA history, James just capped off another brilliant individual postseason performance. It wasn't enough to unseat the reigning NBA champions the Denver Nuggets but James himself had a very impressive showing, averaging 27.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 8.8 assists, 2.4 steals, and a block in 40.8 minutes per game. He did this while shooting 56.6% from the field and 38.5% from three.

However, this apparently wasn't enough to silence some of his doubters. In fact, there are some analysts still coming out with ridiculous takes about James and his current level of play.

Charles Barkley is the latest talking head to have a crazy take about the Lakers star. On Shannon Sharpe's podcast, Barkley said James should retire "soon", raising plenty of eyebrows across the NBA.

Charles Barkley Has Ridiculous LeBron James Take

Barkley is right about one thing. A lot of players play past their prime and struggle in their final few years in the NBA. Chuck was one of them as he lost a couple of steps after he went to play for the Houston Rockets and wasn't effective in the last three seasons of his career.

James, however, is not Charles Barkley. LeBron may not be in his prime but he is still an All-NBA caliber player. He clearly still has so much to give to basketball and can be one of the best players on a championship contender. Barkley, on the other hand, retired at the age of 36.

LeBron is going to turn 40 during the 2024-25 season. He clearly doesn't have too many years left in the game. However, he is still an effective superstar who can play at the highest levels. Until he no longer wants to play, there is no reason for James to retire.

More Lakers news and rumors:

feed