NBA LA Lakers: It's Over For Kobe Bryant And The Lakers! Charles Barkley Thinks Kobe's Window For A Sixth Title Has Closed!

Charles Barkley has always been outspoken even as a player. Now that he's a broadcaster, he will really speak his mind. And he has spoken a painful truth that Kobe Bryant and the legions of Lakers fans must swallow. Bryant is not going to win a sixth NBA championship.

Barkley is cautious to say that he is not disrespecting Bryant. It's just that Kobe has not played competitive games since his injury. Barkley, from a player's perspective, can see that Kobe is healthy now, and he will be at the start of the season. But when the players really start to compete, and Kobe being the competitor he is, his health may be in question. He may miss some games and the Lakers are most likely to lose them.

The words may be harsh, and it is pointed out that Barkley is 'shoveling dirt on his grave.' The bottom line for Sir Charles:  "I love Kobe Bryant. He's one of the 10 greatest players ever, but it's over for him and the Lakers."

You can watch the video and hear all of Charles' comments here.

Kobe Bryant did not have to defend himself. Sheridan Hoops disputed Barkley's premature dismissal:

"As for how things will go for Bryant, it's true that he has suffered some serious injuries since the 2012-2013 season, but all of them should be considered freak incidents - a torn Achilles tendon and a fractured knee - more than the age factor, as suggested by Barkley. If Bryant has been working hard towards returning strong - and that's all he's ever done throughout his career - it wouldn't seem like the smartest thing to bet against that. In all likelihood, Barkley will have to take back what he has been saying about Bryant for some time now and maybe even apologize at some point during the season. That's not to say that the Lakers will go far in the West, but to count out Bryant already seems highly premature at this point."

This is the most trying test of Kobe's career and he's at the twilight. A title, even a playoff berth is tough to guarantee, but it's hard to think that we won't have a good season from Kobe Bean Bryant anymore.