Charles Barkley believes imitating LeBron James’ lifestyle would yield results for Anthony Davis: “I'm going to be like a sponge to LeBron”  

LeBron James and Anthony Davis are a duo on a mission to reclaim their spot atop the NBA. After overcoming some growing pains in the pair's first season together during 2018-19, the duo found success in the Orlando Bubble. Throughout the season, James and Davis put on spectacles en route to an NBA Championship.

Since then, the pair have continued to struggle. Despite the addition of former MVP Russell Westbrook, the Lakers missed the playoffs last season. It's been a disappointing stretch for a team with two of the best players of this generation. With that said, however, much of the team's shortcomings have without a doubt been the result of injuries.

The way Hall of Famer Charles Barkley sees things, Anthony Davis needs to adopt a lifestyle that mimics that of LeBron James. Of course, James reportedly spends in excess of $1 million a year to keep himself in peak physical form. Barkley said:

"The one thing that surprises me and shocks me is that he's around LeBron, and LeBron talks about he spends a million dollars on his body a year. Like, yo man, you get to play with that, dude. I'm going to be like a sponge to LeBron. ...

"No disrespect, I don't think AD's going to be in the league at 40 like LeBron is after 20 years 'cause he's been injured so much."

Barkley continued, explaining that when playing alongside James, players should pay extra attention to what he's doing:

"If I play with a guy like LeBron, I'm like, 'Yeah, I'm going to do what he does. Whatever he has for breakfast, I'm eating it. Whatever he has for lunch, I'm doing it. Whatever he has for dinner. If he's going to lift weights, hey man, can I tag along with you?'

"I mean, that's what I would do. That's the part that disappoints me."

The comments were made during a recent episode of "The Bill Simmons Podcast" and came in the midst of the Lakers' three-game slump.

Where do Anthony Davis, LeBron James and the Lakers go from here?

LA Lakers vs. Golden State Warriors.

So far, this season has been a rough one for the Lakers. Throughout the team's first three games, they have been unable to secure a win. It's a trend that has continued to frustrate even the most loyal fans, who are all eager to see the team make a triumphant return to the playoffs.

Anthony Davis, however, has continued to put on impressive performances. Despite a string of losses, Davis has averaged 24.7 points, eight rebounds, 2.3 blocks and 2.7 steals.

For a team that ranks as one of the worst offensively (23) and one of the best defensively (10), it's an interesting scenario. Coach Darvin Ham believes that the team simply needs more time to build chemistry, something Patrick Beverley echoed as well.

With the team's schedule only getting difficult from here on, that chemistry will need to develop sooner rather than later. Also, only time will tell whether Anthony Davis will be able to stay healthy and will the team to the playoffs.