Charles Berkley has some big questions about the LA Lakers ahead of the NBA season.
The Lakers had a turbulent offseason, resulting in the frustrated LeBron James, who has rumours of trade surrounding him.
The biggest addition of the summer, Deandre Ayton, was dumped by the Portland Trail Blazers. They also allowed superstar Luka Donsic to see his best friend, Dorian Finney Smith, walked out the door.
It was a nasty start to the summer for the Lakers, and NBA legend Charles Berkley had a lot to say about their chances next season.
Speaking on Dan Patrick’s show, Berkley highlighted some major issues regarding the Lakers’ current roster. He was asked about what the Lakers Ayton signature would do for their chance.
He replied, “They’ve grown. But their second best player is 41. Can (James) stay healthy?
“They’re better than the Rockets and better than Oklahoma City? Are they better than Denver? I wouldn’t say that, no.”
He questioned what Ayton would bring to the team, adding, “We need to go through (Ayton’s) track record, but that’s not a good track record.”
It’s actually an optimistic outlook for the Lakers’ future. There is serious doubt that James will turn his eyes to his fifth championship next season and whether he will see the Lakers in the summer of 2027.
It’s increasingly unlikely that James will be on the team by the end of the season.
All indications point to James’ departure from the Lakers, with senior ESPN writer Ramona Shelborn and NBA insider Brian Windhorst saying spring 2026 is the departure time.
They write:
“Even if James’ record-setting NBA career wasn’t yet, it was clear that the Lakers’ face had their first planned ending date, and that it was their first time with the 21 All-Star time.
“It’s up to him to see whether the 2025-26 season will be James’ final season in the NBA, but if he wanted a Hollywood ending so that only the Lakers could give the game legend, the release date was set.
It was revealed by Shams Charania early in the offseason that James’ main goal is to win the championship. So, if Barkley is right, if the Lakers are behind at least three teams in the West, James might get out the door and win another team’s fifth title.