NBA Legend Charles Barkley Makes Brutally Honest Lakers Statement

Charles Barkley made an honest statement about the Los Angeles Lakers.

Apr 6, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Charles Barkley reacts in the second half in the semifinals of the 2019 men's Final Four between the Virginia Cavaliers and Auburn Tigers at US Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images / Shanna Lockwood-Imagn Images

On Tuesday night, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Dallas Mavericks (in Texas) by a score of 118-97.

Even more disappointing, the Mavs were playing without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving.

After the game, Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley made a brutally honest statement about the Lakers.

Barkley (via the NBA on TNT): "The Lakers stink, plain and simple... The Lakers are not a good team. They have zero athletic ability... The Lakers are not any good."

"The Lakers stink, plain and simple"

Chuck didn't mince words after Dallas' win tonight 👀 pic.twitter.com/3qgdp2Atqz

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 8, 2025

The Lakers allowed the Mavs to shoot 52.3% from the field and 47.4% from the three-point range.

In addition, the Mavs had lost five straight games entering play.

Via ESPN's Dave McMenamin: "Brutal loss for the Lakers in Dallas, 118-97, to complete an 0-2 road trip. No Luka, no Kyrie, no Gafford for the Mavs and LAL trailed by double digits for the bulk of the second half."

Brutal loss for the Lakers in Dallas, 118-97, to complete an 0-2 road trip. No Luka, no Kyrie, no Gafford for the Mavs and LAL trailed by double digits for the bulk of the second half.

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) January 8, 2025

With the loss, the Lakers dropped to 20-16 in 36 games, which has them as the sixth seed in the Western Conference.

They are in the middle of a two-game losing streak (but still 6-4 over their last ten games).

On the road, the Lakers have struggled, going just 8-11 in the 19 games they have played away from Los Angeles.

Mavericks tonight:

— No Luka
— No Kyrie
— No Gafford

Beat the Lakers by 21. pic.twitter.com/ZWaO9CJoDg

— StatMuse (@statmuse) January 8, 2025

Following their tough loss to the Mavs, the Lakers will now return home to host LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday in Los Angeles.

At home, they have gone 12-5 in 17 games.

Jan 7, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick reacts during the game against the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images / Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Meanwhile, the Mavs are now one spot ahead of the Lakers (as the fifth seed) with a 21-16 record in 37 games.