While Thursday was just another day in the NBA, Charles Barkley of the NBA on TNT crew took the opportunity to get personal with a lengthy rant. He criticized the "other network" for focusing solely on the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors, failing to give enough respect to teams like the Oklahoma City Thunder and Cleveland Cavaliers, both of which currently sit at No. 1 in their respective conferences.
Barkley even called out ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins, labeling him an "idiot" during his rant for something Perkins said earlier in the week about the Lakers saving the NBA.
"I saw a fool, an idiot on TV talking about the 'Lakers saved the NBA'... he's an idiot and a fool, he knows who he is-what's his name, Shaq?" Barkley said. "Kendrick Perkins. First off, the Lakers have had a great two weeks. He said the Lakers saved the NBA season, but that's because those fools on the other network, which I'll be working with next year, are the only ones they talk about. Let me tell you something, and first of all, I want all the smoke. I don't whistle when I walk by the graveyard."
Charles Barkley vs. Kendrick Perkins
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— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) March 7, 2025
Perkins, along with Stephen A. Smith, quickly responded to Barkley's statement. While Smith didn't take it too seriously, Perkins sent a clear message to the former NBA superstar.
"Hey @NBAonTNT might wanna tell that senior citizen Charles Barkley that I'll be around," Perkins posted. "When he see an idiot or fool in person make sure he keep that same energy. He can come playing with me if he want to and imma Address his ass like the numbers on a house. Straight from the 409 homeboy and we bar none and fade all. #TexasBoy."
Charles Barkley did offer some praise for the Lakers and said he has no problem eating his words if proven wrong. He was one of the main voices who believed that the Lakers would not work with LeBron James and Luka Doncic playing together.
"The season has been going great for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder." Barkley added. "Y'all just want to talk about the Warriors and the Lakers. They're both doing great, don't get me wrong…. Oklahoma City and the Cavs have been balling for 6 months. Y'all talking about teams that had 2 great weeks…. Oklahoma City and the Cavs are two best stories in the NBA this year."
Both Barkley and Perkins have always been very opinionated since they entered television, and neither has shied away from expressing their views. This will make their dynamic at ESPN next year quite interesting.
Related: Charles Barkley Predicts NBA Eastern Conference Champion Without Hesitation
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This story was originally published March 6, 2025 at 7:24 PM.