Charles Barkley and LeBron James (Image Source: Getty Images)
LeBron James just finished his 21st NBA season, and as things stand, he will be returning for his 22nd. Despite being the oldest player in the league, LeBron, 39, is still going strong for LA Lakers.

But a former NBA player thinks it’s enough already for the NBA’s all-time scorer. Charles Barkley is the man ringing the sentiment that LeBron James should retire. Speaking on Shannon Sharpe’s Club Shay Shay Podcast, the former Sixers forward said, “I hope he [LeBron] retires soon because I hated the way I retired because I sucked.”

He said, “Your ego says you can still do it because I remember telling myself the last two years, ‘Ok, I am going to get myself in great shape this summer. I am going to have a good year and then I am going to retire’. Then I figured out like playing against air, everybody is good against air, everybody is great against air. But when you see another 25-year-old, who is looking at you like, licking his lips, you’re like oh! shit. And like there is nothing you can do.”

He also gave examples of how he retired from the Rockets and how LeBron’s GOAT debate rival, Michael Jordan, retired with the Wizards. While Barkley’s concerns may seem reasonable, LBJ’s performance does not have that glint of aging. With 25.7 points per game, 7.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists, he outnumbered a lot of the young guns in the NBA.

While his return next season is inevitable, barring any calamity in the 2024 Paris Olympics, there’s a massive question over whether it will be with the Lakers.

LeBron James’ Future With Lakers Remains Doubtful

After the playoff elimination to the Nuggets, the obvious question was about the 20-time NBA All-Star’s future in Los Angeles. Rumours were popping up left and right, and LeBron James himself cleared up the situation with a post on social media.

With the Olympics approaching, LeBron’s focus remains on recovery and family. Bronny James’ impending NBA Draft could also navigate LeBron’s career course, with the all-time top scorer in the league having a dream of playing with his son.

LeBron can become a free agent in the summer if he declines to take the $51 million player option in his contract. According to multiple reports, the Lakers are ready to draft Bronny to keep LeBron around. For now, the only way to have a clearer picture of his future is to wait till after summer.

With the Olympics approaching, LeBron’s focus remains on recovery and family. Bronny James’ impending NBA Draft could also navigate LeBron’s career course, with the all-time top scorer in the league having a dream of playing with his son.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.

From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.