Charles Barkley calls out Kobe and LeBron for having double standards “They never f***ing call me”
Charles Barkley’s job is to call out any player he thinks should do better or give credit where credit is due. However, players have different responses to it. Sir Charles shared how Kobe Bryant and LeBron James reacted to his criticism and his praise.
Kobe, LeBron fires back at Charles
There are many instances Barkley was under fire for his comments and opinions, but one of the main reasons we love Barkley on Inside the NBA is precisely because he always speaks his mind. As a former player and Hall of Famer, he knows what goes inside the minds of NBA superstars and isn’t afraid to call them out, knowing they won’t be too happy about his comments.
Sir Charles guested on the Pat McAfee show and revealed how Kobe and LeBron fired back when criticized but never gave him credit when he praised them.
“When I get guys complimented, they never f***ing call me. Kobe Bryant, one night against the Phoenix Suns, he didn’t take any shots in the game in the second half, and I went off on him after the game. He called me from 1 o’clock in the morning to 4 o’clock in the morning, cursing me out like a dog.
I’ve always said what a great person LeBron James is, I admire him as a person. I said something about him and he went off on me.”
Charles Barkley, The Pat McAfee show
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Barkley accused Bryant of being selfish in their series against the Phoenix Suns in 2006, claiming Kobe wanted to prove that his teammates did not help him in that series and effectively abandoned the team. The Lakers legend only shot three times in the second half of an important game, a far cry from what fans expected of Bryant.
NBA stars don’t like to be called out and don’t like to be compared to older generations. Chuck has lambasted some of these players, and they fired back about him being ring-less in his career. Remember when LeBron James labeled Sir Charles a “hater”? The King added Barkley doesn’t have credibility, and he wouldn’t let the NBA commentator tarnish his legacy.
Why players don’t give credit to Barkley
The former MVP lamented the fact that Kobe and Bron did not give him credit when Chuck sang praises to them. For one, you never know Barkley’s intentions when he gives you praises. His acerbic humor borderlines sarcasm. On top of that, Bryant and James didn’t owe anything to Barkley. So them not giving single care when Charles talked something positive about them was just a natural reaction, especially since Barkley has been known to flip-flop on his stand on issues.
Should NBA stars give thanks when reporters stand up to them or protect them? Giving props to the media is like soliciting favors from them. The best way for players to move forward is not to mind what the media says. After all, they are paid to hoop and not to give reactions to reporters or analysts who want to elicit a certain response from them.
