NBA Legend Charles Barkley Reveals Why He Hates The Los Angeles Lakers

NBA legend Charles Barkley spoke honestly about the Lakers.

Dec 31, 2024; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first half at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Earlier this week, the Los Angeles Lakers lost to the Dallas Mavericks (who were without Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving) by a score of 118-97.

Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley has been very critical of the Lakers this season, and he was asked (via the NBA on TNT) why he doesn't like the team.

Barkley: "Why I hate the Lakers? It's always somebody else's fault. Remember three years ago? It was Russell Westbrook's fault, then it was Frank Vogel's fault, then it was D'Angelo Russell's fault, then it was Darvin Ham's fault... You don't always blame other people for your shortcomings."

The Lakers won the NBA Championship in 2020 but have struggled to maintain consistency since their title.

Following that season, the Lakers have lost in the first round (2021), missed the NBA playoffs (2022), reached the Western Conference finals (2023) and lost again in the first round (2024).

They are also on their third head coach in that period after firing Frank Vogel and Darvin Ham (and hiring JJ Redick).

Dec 25, 2024; San Francisco, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick talks to media members before the game against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images / Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images

Right now, the Lakers are the sixth seed with a 20-16 record in 36 games.

They are in the middle of a two-game losing streak and will resume action on Thursday when they host the Charlotte Hornets.

Final pic.twitter.com/Rn5ldNIgTS

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) January 8, 2025

As for Barkley, he is one of the best players in NBA history.

The 1993 MVP played 16 seasons for the Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns and Houston Rockets.

During the 1993 season, Barkley led the Suns to the NBA Finals.