NBA Hall of Famer and “Inside the NBA” analyst Charles Barkley didn’t hold back on criticizing the media’s fixation on the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.
He called out Kendrick Perkins for claiming the Lakers “saved the NBA season.”
“I saw a full idiot on TV saying that,” Barkley said. “He’s an idiot and a fool. I’m talking about Kendrick Perkins.”
“The Lakers have had a great two weeks, but that’s all they talk about,” he said.
Barkley pointed out that Cleveland and Oklahoma City have been excelling all season. “Meanwhile, Cleveland has won 12 straight games, and OKC has the MVP candidate and they’re on fire. But all anyone talks about is who’s in second place.”
Lack of Coverage for Cleveland and OKC
For Barkley, the lack of coverage for teams like Cleveland and Oklahoma City is frustrating.
“That’s the reason I get pissed. The Lakers and Warriors are doing great, but OKC and the Cavs have been balling for six months. The Lakers have only had two great weeks,” he emphasized.
Barkley’s criticism came during TNT’s coverage of the Lakers’ matchup against the New York Knicks, with co-host Shaquille O’Neal laughing in the background as Barkley delivered his rant.
He also took a moment to call out ESPN, referring to its analysts as “idiots” and “fools,” while acknowledging that next year, when “Inside the NBA” moves to ESPN, he and his co-hosts will be working there too.
Barkley Calls Out the LeBron vs. Jordan Debate
Barkley also criticized the endless LeBron vs. Jordan debate, calling it a tired topic.
“The only people talking about LeBron and Michael are those on TV with nothing else to say,” he stated. “LeBron is great, Michael is great, but y’all won’t stop.”
At halftime of the Lakers-Knicks game, Barkley mocked ESPN’s reaction to L.A. trailing by nine points.
“I’m not a hater. I just know the other network is gonna be sad tomorrow,” he said. “They’ll be crying over a Lakers loss!”
Barkley wants more focus on teams making an impact, like Cleveland and Oklahoma City.
“I’m not stuck in the ‘90s,” he said. “I just want balanced coverage. OKC and Cleveland are the best stories this season.”
