SPORTSApril 25, 2026

Charles Barkley Says Lakers Have NBA's Best Shooter; Reveals LeBron James' Key Attribute vs. Rockets

Charles Barkley is never shy about sharing his opinions, and after the Los Angeles Lakers took a commanding 3-0 series lead over the Houston Rockets, the NBA Hall of Famer had plenty to say about what's driving the team's playoff success.

Barkley highlighted that beyond LeBron James, the Lakers possess what he considers the best shooter in the NBA — a catalyst that has been instrumental in Los Angeles building a stranglehold on the first-round series. The Lakers' offensive firepower has been on full display, with their perimeter shooting opening up lanes for drives and creating spacing that the Rockets have been unable to counter.

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But Barkley also pointed out a glaring attribute of LeBron James that has been particularly evident against Houston. The Lakers' superstar has been dictating the pace and flow of the series, showcasing a dimension of his game that goes beyond scoring — his ability to read the floor and make everyone around him better has been the engine driving Los Angeles' dominance.

With a 3-0 series lead, the Lakers are on the verge of a sweep, a scenario few predicted given the Rockets' strong regular-season play. The combination of elite shooting and James' all-around brilliance has proven to be too much for Houston to handle.

As the series shifts toward a potential closeout game, all eyes will be on whether the Lakers can finish the job and advance to the next round with maximum rest.

What This Means For You: If you're following the NBA playoffs, the Lakers are looking like a serious championship contender with their blend of elite shooting and LeBron's playmaking. For Rockets fans, it's a painful reality check — but for neutral observers, this series is showcasing why playoff basketball remains must-watch entertainment. Don't count out a Rockets adjustment, but the odds are firmly in L.A.'s favor.

By Core News Daily Staff

Originally sourced from EssentiallySports