Charles Barkley, a pivotal figure in 1990s NBA trades, recently revealed a surprising twist regarding his move from the Philadelphia 76ers. While his trade to the Phoenix Suns is well-documented, Barkley claims he was initially destined for the Los Angeles Lakers.
Charles Barkley Was Traded To The Los Angeles Lakers, Almost
“I got traded to the Lakers. True story,” Barkley stated on his “Steam Room” podcast. He recounted receiving a call from his agent, confirming the trade, and his subsequent celebration with friends. “I get my friends together. We go to Friday’s on City Line Avenue and we get blasted. I told them, ‘Let’s meet at 12. I’m out of hell and purgatory.’”
However, the elation was short-lived. “About 3 o’clock [the next day], my agent calls me and says the Sixers pulled out of the deal,” Barkley explained. “We had a game that night. I run home, take a quick power nap and I don’t even remember what happened in the game. I was so mad. But that’s the weirdest trade situation I’ve ever been involved in.” After eight seasons and six All-Star appearances, Barkley’s desire to leave Philadelphia was driven by his ambition to compete for championships. His arrival in Phoenix significantly elevated the team’s status, propelling them to unprecedented levels of relevancy.
Throughout his illustrious NBA career, Charles Barkley established himself as a dominant force, compiling impressive statistics that solidified his status as one of the game’s greats. He averaged 22.1 points per game, showcasing his scoring prowess, while also demonstrating his rebounding tenacity with 11.7 rebounds per game. Barkley’s playmaking abilities were evident in his 3.9 assists per game, and his defensive contributions were highlighted by his 1.5 steals per game. These career statistics collectively illustrate Barkley’s well-rounded skill set and his significant impact on the court.
At that time, the Lakers’ roster lacked players of the caliber of Dan Majerle or Kevin Johnson, who were key figures in the Phoenix Suns’ success. Therefore, for Barkley, a player-driven by the pursuit of a championship, the Phoenix Suns ultimately proved to be the right destination.