Charles Barkley isn’t a speaking head on ESPN but.
That can occur subsequent 12 months, when TNT’s in style “Within the NBA” studio display — which stars Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith as analysts and Ernie Johnson as host — shall be authorized out to air on ESPN beginning with the 2025-26 season.
Within the interim, Barkley doesn’t appear to have an issue ripping the present ESPN speaking heads, calling the gang jointly “idiots” and “fools” and singling out considered one of them, Kendrick Perkins, by way of identify.
Barkley did recognize, then again, that “we going to transform fools subsequent 12 months once we’ll be operating on that community.”
Talking on air Thursday sooner than the Lakers’ recreation in opposition to the New York Knicks, Barkley went on a long rant about what he perceives to be partiality proven by way of ESPN towards the Lakers and Golden State Warriors, whilst groups just like the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma Town Thunder are having higher total seasons however don’t obtain the same quantity of protection.
The Cavaliers (52-10) and Thunder (51-11) have the 2 easiest data within the NBA. The Lakers and Warriors have come on sturdy in contemporary weeks, with L.A. going 9-2 since including contemporary acquisition Luka Doncic to the lineup and Golden State additionally going 9-2 since buying and selling for Jimmy Butler.
Winners in their ultimate 8 video games, the Lakers have bolted as much as No. 2 within the Western Convention standings however nonetheless path Oklahoma Town by way of 10½ video games. The Warriors are at No. 6 within the convention, 16½ video games in the back of the Thunder.
However the Lakers and Warriors have mixed for 23 NBA titles total and 10 since 2000, L.A maximum just lately received it in 2020 and Golden State in 2022. The Cavaliers and Thunder have received two titles general (Cleveland in 2016 and the Thunder once they had been the Seattle SuperSonics in 1979), which would appear to offer the California groups a conceivable edge in nationwide reputation and recognition.
All of that set the degree for Barkley’s diatribe, which had the ex-Laker O’Neal in stitches by way of the halfway level.
“I noticed a idiot, fool on TV speaking concerning the Lakers stored the NBA,” Barkley stated. “He’s an fool and a idiot, however he know who he’s. What’s his identify, Shaq? Kendrick Perkins. … He stated the Lakers stored the NBA season. That’s as a result of them fools on the different community, which we’re going to be operating at subsequent 12 months, that’s all they discuss.
“Let me inform y’all one thing. … The Lakers are doing nice. Were given a protracted method to cross. However the season’s been going nice for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma Town Thunder. Y’all simply wish to communicate concerning the Warriors and the Lakers. They’re each doing nice, don’t get me mistaken. If I change into mistaken, I were given no downside with that. However y’all are idiots purpose y’all communicate concerning the Lakers and the Warriors always.
“The Cleveland Cavaliers have received 12 directly video games. Oklahoma Town were given the MVP and they’re on hearth. Y’all are speaking about who’s in 2d position. That’s the rationale I am getting pissed.
“Oklahoma Town and the Cavs been balling for 6 months. Y’all speaking about groups that had two nice weeks.”
Barkley went directly to take a shot at the speaking heads who like to discuss about who’s the best-ever easiest participant, Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
“I’ve stated it for years, the one other folks speaking about LeBron and Michael is other folks on tv who were given no skill to speak about the rest,” Barkley stated.
At halftime, with the Lakers trailing the Knicks by way of 9, Barkley couldn’t lend a hand however pile on.
“I’m no longer a hater. I’m simply fearful about other folks at the different community,” he stated. “They’re gonna be unhappy day after today. They’re gonna be unhappy and crying. ‘A Laker loss!’”
TNT’s NBA account on X posted a video of a few of Barkley’s feedback — calling them “an all-time Lakers rant” — however overlooked the portions about Perkins and one of the most remarks about ESPN.
ESPN declined to remark for this tale.
Perkins, alternatively, had lots to mention about Barkley’s feedback in two posts Thursday on X.
“Whats up @NBAonTNT would possibly wanna inform that senior citizen Charles Barkley that I’ll be round,” wrote Perkins, who performed 14 years within the NBA and received a name with the Boston Celtics in 2008. “When he see an fool or idiot in particular person be sure he stay that very same power.”
Whats up @NBAonTNT would possibly wanna inform that senior citizen Charles Barkley that I’ll be round. When he see an fool or idiot in particular person be sure he stay that very same power. He can come taking part in with me if he wish to and imma Cope with his ass just like the numbers on a space. Immediately from the 409…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) March 7, 2025
Perkins added in a separate put up hours later, following the Lakers’ time beyond regulation win over the Knicks: “‘The Fool’ is headed on @SportsCenter to speak ALL Lakers!!!! THEY stated Bron and Luka couldn’t play in combination however their play say differently. THEY stated we’re going to be crying within the morning speaking concerning the Lakers. They’re WRONG AGAIN. … #IACTUALLYWATCHBASKETBALL”
“The Fool” is headed on @SportsCenter to speak ALL Lakers!!!! THEY stated Bron and Luka couldn’t play in combination however their play say differently. THEY stated we’re going to be crying within the morning speaking concerning the Lakers. They’re WRONG AGAIN. Gotta display like to the 40 12 months previous Bron who…
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) March 7, 2025
