So here we go.  I kind of knew that it would be just a matter of time.  LeBron James finally claps back!  But why now, and why at a legend in Charles Barkley?  I guess “King” James is tired of being silent and letting all of the nay sayers run rampant about him.  But did Barkley not tell the truth?

This all started as a discussion on the NBA on TNT amongst Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson.  They were talking about LeBron’s statement about needing some help, and needing a playmaker in order to repeat as NBA Champions this season.

http://www.nba.com/video/2017/01/27/20170127-shaq-charles-debate-lebron-inside-nba-full

Personally, I thought it was pretty weak of the “King” to start whining to the media about needing some help in order to repeat.  You have a Big Three in yourself, Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love.  You have a guy that does the dirty work in Tristan Thompson.  Management went out and got Kyle Korver to help spread the floor and open up driving lanes for you and Kyrie.  What more do you want “King”?

You’re already taking nights off because you’re sooooooo tired, and now you’re whining because you, the defending NBA champ, needs more help.  REALLY?!  As a TV commentator it’s Barkley’s job to call it like he sees it whether you like it or not.  That’s what sportscasters and journalists do.  But what made you choose Barkley?  Folks like Skip Bayless, Stephen A. Smith, Mike Wilbon, and others have been critical of you for years, and I’ve never heard a peep out of you.

Maybe it’s because he felt Barkley was an easy mark since he’s had more than his share of personal issues off the court.  But one thing we all know is that Sir Charles brought it every night, and never made excuses.  Not saying that LBJ is making excuses, but today’s athlete needs to learn how to shut up sometimes.  There’s no need to be transparent to the media on any and everything.

And for D Wade to add his 2 cents in support of his BFF was also unnecessary.  Makes me lose a tad bit of respect for the guy.  Let your boy fight his own battles, he’s a grown ass man.  The best thing you could have, and should have done in that situation was to say “no comment”.  But you stepped in it. So be ready for whatever comes at you.  Especially since you went before the media spilling locker room issues.  Another no-no.  These guys are breaking “man laws” all over the place.

Barkley could have come right back at LBJ, but he took the high road.  I was personally shocked, because it could have gone all the way left.  But I’m glad it didn’t.  Hopefully we’re done talking about this and can move on to the next crisis which will probably be LBJ complaining about not getting enough foul calls.  But then again, we may have heard that one already.