TNT analyst Charles Barkley had much more than two cents to spare when it comes to the new-look Los Angeles Lakers, who have reloaded by adding the biggest free agent in the market in LeBron James.
The longtime NBA standout offered that this season would be the one to test head coach Luke Walton, not only coaching a megastar still in his prime — but orchestrating a band of misfits around him as well.
“That’s an impossible scenario for Luke,” said Barkley, according to Ben Golliver of Sports Illustrated. “He’s got LeBron who is going to do things his way. He’s got those young kids who are probably in awe of LeBron. He’s got those older guys who are going to try to seek attention. I don’t think Lance and Rondo are going there to be the ninth or 10th guys on the bench and be quiet all year. They’re going to want touches.”
The Lakers' all-around inexperience has gotten a little better by the addition of veterans, but not to the point of making them contenders in a heavy-fisted Western Conference that is strapped to the gills with brimming talent.
As said before by various analysts — James will get no nights off in a maniacally competitive West, and its ruthless schedule won't take long to make a dent in the King's patience, especially if his supporting cast doesn't prove up to snuff.
James, as usual, will face his share of scrutiny — but it won't be long until that splashes onto Walton as the head coach of the team, tasking him with making tough decisions that may upset one or more players in the roster.
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