Even with speculation about his future, LeBron James continues to be the standard by which today’s stars are measured. Recently, Charles Barkley drew parallels between James and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, fresh off an MVP and Finals MVP season.
On The Bill Simmons Podcast, Barkley said that while Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant carried a “killer” edge, James — and now Gilgeous-Alexander — dominate the game in a different way.
“The three best players I’ve ever seen are Michael, Kobe and LeBron… Michael and Kobe were dangerous. They will kill your a–. LeBron is a nice guy, and that’s not a knock. He’s still great, great, great, but he’s a nice guy,” Barkley said.
He added that SGA has a similar “nice guy” aura, even as he puts up massive numbers on the game’s biggest stage.
Why LeBron Still Defines the Lakers Standard
Barkley’s comments highlight why James is still such a reference point. His game style has become a lens through which rising stars are judged. That’s part of why his status with the Los Angeles Lakers was such a major storyline this offseason.
Rumors suggested James was unsettled as the team pivoted toward Luka Doncic as the face of the franchise. That speculation sparked questions about whether James might consider his options. But according to those close to the situation, the reality may not have been quite as dramatic as some of the headlines made it seem.
Lakers Insider Pushes Back on Exit Talk
NBA insider Jared Greenberg downplayed the idea that James ever wanted out. Speaking on The Good Word with Goodwill, he pointed out that LeBron had the option to test free agency but chose to remain in Los Angeles.
“LeBron had the opportunity this summer to be a free agent and sign wherever he wanted… He didn’t want to sign for the minimum, he did not want to give away his no-trade clause. … Don’t then be confused as to why he’s still a Laker.” — via Yahoo Sports
Greenberg’s perspective suggests the exit chatter may have been overblown. Still, in today’s NBA, where stars often shift course quickly, it’s difficult to completely rule out future twists.
Lakers Would Be Reluctant to Move LeBron
Even if James had frustrations, a trade would have been highly unlikely. New owner Mark Walter is unlikely to want his name tied to such a move. Few executives would willingly attach their legacy to trading away one of the greatest players of all time.
That doesn’t mean circumstances can’t change down the line, but for now, James remains central to the team’s plans. He’s still producing at an elite level, averaging 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game last season. That kind of output keeps the Lakers competitive while Doncic enters his prime.
The Bottom Line
Getty Luka Doncic, Lebron James and Austin Reaves of the Los Angeles are committed to work on their chemistry.
Barkley’s comparison shows how James continues to shape conversations about greatness — not just through his own game, but by how others are measured against him.
The rumors about a possible exit may have been overstated. James hasn’t pushed for a trade, and the Lakers appear in no rush to move him. But in a league where things change quickly, the speculation isn’t likely to disappear anytime soon.
For now, the focus turns to whether the James-Doncic pairing can push Los Angeles back into title contention — and whether LeBron can continue to set the standard for both his team and the league’s rising stars.
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