Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Lakers News > Charles Barkley On Lakers: ‘They’re Old, Slow And Unathletic’
Lakers News

Charles Barkley On Lakers: ‘They’re Old, Slow And Unathletic’

Ryan Ward
Published: 12/28/2012
3 Min Read
SHARE

NBA: Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles LakersHall of Famer and current NBA analyst for TNT Charles Barkley expressed his opinions on the new-look Los Angeles Lakers once again on Thursday with some unflattering comments about the team that was built to be a title contender for the final few years of Kobe Bryant’s career.

Barkley made it clear that he believes this team isn’t a legitimate title contender and this combination of older superstars simply won’t work via Arash Markazi of ESPNLosAngeles.com:

“They’re old, slow and unathletic,” Barkley told Mike Hill and Mark Schlereth on “Mike & Mike” on ESPN Radio. “I have great respect for Kobe Bryant but I never thought this thing was going to work. Everybody went crazy when they won a couple games in a row but they’re old, slow and unathleltic.”

As one of the few superstars of the past that failed to win a championship and had to call it a career because of injury, Barkley always seems to come down hard on older teams trying to contend for titles. The Lakers are obviously no exception to Barkley’s criticism and the one-time NBA MVP might have a point with the Lakers struggling to play consistently.

The current squad may have won five out of their last six games, but it became clear after the loss to the Denver Nuggets recently that things still need to be corrected even with Steve Nash back running the show at the point guard position.

Although offense doesn’t appear to be a problem for this team with the Lakers averaging 102.9 points per game (5th in the NBA), the same can’t be said for the defensive end of the floor. The Lakers give up 100.6 points per game (24th in the NBA) to opponents so far this season and continue to struggle with their chemistry and communication on that end of the floor.

It remains to be seen whether or not the Lakers will be able to correct their problems under head coach Mike D’Antoni and turn things around in time to get back in contention for a playoff spot in the Western Conference.

As of right now, the Lakers sit one game below .500 in 11th place in the conference at 14-15 heading into their matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday night at the Staples Center.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
ByRyan Ward
Follow:
Ryan Ward is a Reporter/Editor and shares duties of being a Social Media Manager on a daily basis at Lakers Nation. As a credentialed member of the media, Ryan covers Lakers home games, press conferences as well as interviewing players from both the NBA and NFL. A Los Angeles native, but born and bred in the UK. Long-suffering Raiders fan and a Liverpool supporter since birth.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?