The Lakers never went a day without the topic since the trade, be it Doncic’s arrival, teams shifting gears, or the King’s injury. They are always in the news. After trading in superstar guard Luka Doncic, the LA Lakers were quite optimistic about the future. However, not everyone was a big fan of the move. Several media and fans questioned how having two ball-dominant players, LeBron James and Luka Doncic, would work out for LA. Among them was none other than Charles Barkley. The former NBA star did not hold and even went as far as stating that the Purple & Gold doesn’t stand a chance of winning the Larry O’Brien Trophy this season. But it has been a long time. So, where does it stand now?

While the Lakers still lack depth at the five, last night they once again showed that this team is worthy of being title contenders. The Lakers have successfully assembled a great core with LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and Austin Reaves. Maybe it’s too early, but you could call them LA’s new ‘Big Three.’ On Saturday night, against a formidable Grizzlies side, the trio showed their true ceiling. Reaves was the unlikely leader in this star-studded trio. The shooting guard led the scoring, dropping 31 points, 7 rebounds, and 8 assists on the night.

While he was impressive in the entire field, it was his elite shooting from beyond the arc that put the Grizzlies to sleep. AR went 5-of-8 from the three! Meanwhile, Doncic and James also put their critics to shame, combining for a massive 54 points and 17 assists. After a stunning performance by all three of the stars, Austin Reaves lauded LeBron and Luka. And his secret to success?

“Bron and Luka are so good at it, um, you know, they make my life easy,” Reaves said after the game. “Unselfish players, they like to play the game the right way, unbelievable passers both of them, so you try to get the best just every possession.” Not something Barkley would like to digest; or will he have a change of mind?

Austin Reaves’ words show how good the chemistry between the two stars is, despite people doubting the pair. Both the Lakers’ superstars are great passers, and that was evident on the court. Amid this impressive win, the three stars also made history. Yes! James, Doncic, and Reaves became the first trio in NBA history to each record 25+ points, 5+ rebounds, and shoot 2+ threes in the same game. Moreover, the Lakers are now 45-29 in the season and snatched the fourth seed in the West from the ‘hurt’ Grizzlies. Of course, they still are not invincible, but performances like this will trouble any defense in the league, besides making the legendary Charles Barkley’s words look silly.

Charles Barkley did not believe in the Lakers’ hype

When the Lakers acquired superstar Luka Doncic from the Mavericks in an earth-shattering deal, Charles Barkley did not rate the move highly enough. He didn’t rate it at all and bluntly stated so during a segment of ‘Inside the NBA.‘ “The Lakers don’t have a chance to win a championship this year.” The NBA legend stated. Furthermore, he made it clear that while the Mavs are nowhere near contention, LA also doesn’t look like an actual threat. “I don’t think the Lakers are better than the Mavs. I’m not sure if they’re better than Memphis. I’m not sure if they’re better than the Rockets.“

His argument wasn’t based on individual talent- it was about how the other teams are more cohesive. He pointed out that teams such as Houston and Memphis are better gelled up together and more balanced in terms of talent spread across the floor. Meanwhile, his biggest concern? How will Luka and LeBron share the floor? “I think they’re going to have a hard time playing together because both of them are really ball-dominant. LeBron can kind of get away with that. Luka has never played, never played, without the ball. He’s going to probably have the ball less than he’s ever had in his life! … You know, he’s going to have to learn to play the wing some.” Barkley then stated.

Well, after watching the pair play together for almost a couple of months, surely Barkley would re-consider his statement. Just last night, Doncic dished out a beautiful no-look assist to James. The concern that Barkley had seemed to be no concern for the two Lakers superstars as they continue to thrive together despite both being ball-dominant players.

Since arriving in LA, Doncic has been averaging 27.5 points, 7.9 assists, and 8.6 rebounds. It seems he doing pretty well alongside King James! Whether Doncic and James can carry the Lakers to the championship remains to be seen. However, the doubts of the duo not working out seem to be put to sleep once it’s all for all.