Charles Barkley has been one of the most outspoken critics of LeBron James’ Los Angeles Lakers this season, repeatedly taking jabs at the aspiring Western Conference contender on air.
The NBA legend appears to be coming around on the Purple and Gold, though, especially James, as he settles into a tertiary role for the first time in his illustrious 23-year career.
Charles Barkley Commends LeBron James for Taking Backseat to Luka Dončić, Austin Reaves
Barkley has utilized his primetime slot on ESPN’s “Inside the NBA” to poke fun at the Lakers all season, even openly acknowledging that he is rooting against them earlier this month. However, during a Monday appearance on “The Jim Rome Show,” the Hall of Famer delivered a far more measured assessment of James and Co.’s recent play.
After enduring heavy scrutiny for their subpar defense and top-heavy offense earlier in the year, LA rattled off a season-high nine straight wins before Monday’s 113-110 road letdown against the shorthanded Detroit Pistons.
During that stretch, the Lakers showcased improved chemistry and better team defensive effort, with James allowing his co-stars Luka Dončić and Austin Reaves to lead the offensive charge.
While Barkley noted that it’s “almost comical” how fast the narratives surrounding the Lakers have flipped, he had kind words for their progress, stressing how fortunate they are to have a four-time MVP serving as a “third wheel.”
“They’re playing great, Luka’s playing great. He’s been unbelievable. I think Austin has played great, and LeBron is probably the best third wheel in NBA history,” Barkley said.
“And LeBron is such a great player, he can do it all. He can finish because he’s not gonna have the ball. The ball should be in Luka and Austin’s hands ’cause they’re the two best players on the team at this stage, but LeBron’s such a great player, he can fit in and just finish. It’s a great situation for him. There’s nobody in the NBA got a better third player.”
Charles Barkley believes LeBron James is “probably the best third wheel in NBA history.” pic.twitter.com/6V4DibKZ8d
— StatHunter (@stat_hunter) March 24, 2026
During LA’s nine-game victory run, James was a clear-cut third option, averaging 19.0 points, 7.3 rebounds, 5.5 assists, and 1.7 steals per game on efficient 60.3% shooting across six appearances.
His scoring output marked less than half of Dončić’s staggering 40.0 ppg average across all nine wins. Still, James continually insisted he is fully bought into his new complementary role, even after registering his first scoreless first half since 2010 on Monday night against Detroit.
“It’s the role that I’m playing for the ballclub. In order for us to win ball games, it’s the role that I’m playing, and that’s just how the game was going,” James explained postgame.
Barkley Still Doesn’t View Resurgent Lakers As Legitimate NBA Title Threats
While Barkley seemingly has a newfound appreciation for the Lakers, he concluded by standing firm on his belief that their playoff pathway through the cutthroat West is far too crowded.
Amid its late-season surge, LA (46-26) has climbed to the third seed. Even so, the 63-year-old envisions the veteran squad having a tough time against any of the West’s other top-six seeds.
“I don’t think they can win the championship,” Barkley admitted. “I don’t think they can beat OKC, I don’t think they can beat Denver, I don’t think they can beat the Spurs. I think the Rockets and Minnesota would be interesting series. But they’re playing great.”
