TNT analyst Charles Barkley recently questioned the direction the Los Angeles Lakers have taken this summer.
The Los Angeles Lakers have been one of the NBA’s busiest teams this summer. By this point, even non-sports fans know that the landscape of the league changed when LeBron James chose to come to Los Angeles.
James’ decision to come to the Lakers is huge for the team. He is the first bona fide superstar the ball club has had since Kobe Bryant hung up his kicks for good.
After the Lakers picked up James, though, Magic Johnson and Rob Pelinka did not stop there. The executives have worked tirelessly to sign several other free agents as well.
While L.A.’s other offseason moves cannot match up against the LeBron signing, the team’s brass has intentionally gotten veterans for a reason. The Lakers possess a solid young core that could very well turn things up a notch in 2018-2019.
On that note, the front office decisions have been made with the intention of quickening the growth of said core. A perfect example is when the Rajon Rondo signing is mulled over. It appears as if he was signed in order for Lonzo Ball to have a mentor to look up to.
This will be crucial because Rondo carries an old-school vibe within him. Known for more than his pass-first tendencies, his toughmindedness could very well be instrumental for Ball’s maturity.
While it is easy to see what could be for the Lakers, not everyone thinks highly of the team’s approach. One individual who falls into this conversation is basketball analyst Charles Barkley.
Barkley’s critical ways are not too surprising. He is rather famous for chastising the purple and gold, and it is probably never going to end. It is what it is.
His latest jab against the team revolves around the logic behind their moves. In Barkley’s estimation, the Lakers’ veteran signings will adversely affect the younger pieces on the roster.
Courtesy of Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated, The Round Mound of Rebound argued the following.
"“I don’t like what [the Lakers] are doing,” Barkley continued, during a promotional interview for his new deal with Panini America. “It’s going to take away from their young nucleus. They’ve got some good young players. You’re trying to set up Lonzo, Ingram, Kuzma. With all that other stuff going on, I don’t know if that’s a good environment for those kids.”"
One area Barkley is correct is when it comes to pointing out the team’s young assets. Granted L.A. has multiple players in their early 20’s, they all carry a great deal of promise.
That being said, Barkley’s assessment may arise out of concern for how Luke Walton will allocate minutes. While this is understandable, any coach has no choice but to figure out this part of the game plan. It comes with the territory.
One thing the Hall of Famer fails to address is the good that could emerge. Bob Garcia IV of The Sports Daily recently discussed the bright side of the Lakers’ summer signings.
"“… it does add more proven veterans to the mix that could move the franchise toward competing for the playoffs and possibly further than that this upcoming season. These players could also help bring up the level of intensity and competition in practice and during games that are needed in order to help push them to the next level.”"
Sure, the Lakers were not the winners of the Paul George sweepstakes. That could tie into Barkley’s concern as well.
Despite that truth, Garcia IV brings up a fair point. Given the various signings, the 16-time champions boast a fine mix of youth and experience.
It is true that factors like chemistry take time to build. However, once the Lakers find their groove, they will certainly be in the playoff hunt. This year is bound to be different than the last five.
Where the Lakers will specifically be in 2018-2019 is unknown. The team’s ceiling is admittedly tough to gauge. What is known, though, is that the ceiling is much higher than it has been.
Accordingly, it is safe to say Charles Barkley is talking just to talk. It would not be a first for Sir Charles, so hopefully the Lakers can make him eat his words.