Charles Barkley Tells Story About Almost Being Traded to the Lakers”
In a recent interview, NBA legend Charles Barkley revealed a fascinating story about how close he came to being traded to the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1990s, a move that could have dramatically altered the trajectory of his career and the league’s landscape.
Barkley, known for his time with the Philadelphia 76ers and the Phoenix Suns, reflected on the pivotal moment when the Lakers, led by then-general manager Jerry West, were reportedly interested in acquiring him. Barkley was playing for the Suns at the time, fresh off an MVP season in 1993, where he had led Phoenix to the NBA Finals. With his combination of skills and charisma, Barkley was one of the league’s brightest stars, and the Lakers saw him as a key piece to pair with the emerging duo of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant.
However, the trade never came to fruition. According to Barkley, he was on the verge of being dealt to the Lakers but was stopped by an unexpected twist. “I was literally about to be traded to the Lakers,” Barkley recalled. “But at the last minute, the trade fell through, and I ended up staying with Phoenix. It was one of those things where I thought, ‘Wow, this could have changed everything.'”
One of the key reasons the deal collapsed, according to Barkley, was the Phoenix Suns’ reluctance to give up key assets that the Lakers were asking for in return. As Barkley explained, “It was close, but the Suns weren’t ready to pull the trigger. They wanted to make sure they got the right package, and it didn’t happen.”
Looking back, Barkley acknowledged that the failed trade turned out to be a blessing in disguise. “I think it worked out better for me in the end. I had a great run in Phoenix, and those years were some of the best of my career,” he said. Barkley spent the remainder of his prime years with the Suns before moving to the Houston Rockets in 1996.
Had Barkley joined the Lakers, the NBA landscape could have looked vastly different. Pairing him with Shaq and Kobe during their early years could have created an even more formidable dynasty in Los Angeles, potentially altering the outcome of many NBA seasons.
Regardless, Barkley’s story offers a rare glimpse into the inner workings of NBA trades and how a single decision can change the future for both a player and an entire franchise. Even without the Lakers’ championship runs that could have involved him, Barkley remains one of the most influential and memorable players in NBA history.
