Charles Barkley on LeBron James, Lakers' 2018-19 Title Hopes: 'Stop It, Dude'

Tim Daniels @TimDanielsBRFeatured ColumnistJuly 11, 2018

A mural of LeBron James in a Los Angeles Lakers jersey is viewed in Venice, California on July 9, 2018. - It was originally revealed July 6, 2018, and then vandalized over the weekend, and re-touched up again with the word 'of' not repainted from the original words 'the King of LA'. Artists Jonas Never and Menso One painted the mural to welcome LeBron James to Los Angeles, outside the Baby Blues BBQ resturant in Venice, California. (Photo by Frederic J. BROWN / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE - MANDATORY MENTION OF THE ARTIST UPON PUBLICATION - TO ILLUSTRATE THE EVENT AS SPECIFIED IN THE CAPTION (Photo credit should read FREDERIC J. BROWN/AFP/Getty Images)

FREDERIC J. BROWN/Getty Images

Basketball Hall of Fame forward Charles Barkley said the addition of LeBron James doesn't turn the Los Angeles Lakers into NBA championship contenders.

On Wednesday, TMZ Sports provided comments from the TNT analyst about the Lakers' chances of overcoming the Golden State Warriors, Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics and other title hopefuls.

"He not gonna win next year," Barkley said. "Stop it, dude."

Oddsmakers don't necessarily agree with Sir Charles.

OddsShark noted the Lakers own the fourth-best betting line to win next season's title (+650), behind only the Warriors (-175), Celtics (+550) and Rockets (+600).

Los Angeles will need James' young supporting cast—led by Lonzo Ball, Brandon Ingram and Kyle Kuzma—to come through in a major way to prove Barkley wrong.