Charles Barkley predicts Los Angeles Lakers will succeed following roster overhaul

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Sep 8, 2026, 11:39 PM

Last updated Sep 8, 2026

Charles Barkley predicts Los Angeles Lakers will succeed following roster overhaul
Summary

NBA Hall of Famer Charles Barkley expressed optimism for the Los Angeles Lakers' upcoming season despite significant changes to the team roster. Following the departure of LeBron James, the franchise moved to reconstruct the lineup around Luka Dončić. General manager Rob Pelinka acquired several new players through trades and signings, including Walker Kessler, San Mamukelasvili, Koven Looney, Colin Sexton, Quentin Grimes, Matisse Thybulle, Zaiarie Williams, and Cameron Carr. The team also secured Austin Reaves with a four-year contract extension. To build chemistry, Dončić led a team minicamp in Slovenia during the offseason. The Lakers are scheduled to report for training camp on September 29.

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Key Details
  • Charles Barkley expects the restructured Lakers to remain competitive.
  • The team signed Austin Reaves to a four-year contract extension.
  • Rob Pelinka acquired multiple players including Walker Kessler in offseason moves.
  • Luka Dončić hosted a team minicamp in Slovenia ahead of training camp.
  • Training camp for the new roster begins September 29.
Latest Updates
  • 11:39 PMYahoo SportsNBA Hall of Famer predicts Lakers will be better than people expect
What they're saying
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It's a new era of basketball for the Los Angeles Lakers, and there has been an assumption that they might be worse than they were last season.

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