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Charles Barkley Has Changed His Opinion Of LeBron James

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Mar 28, 2025 3:13 PM ET

During an appearance on the Dan Patrick Show this Friday, NBA analyst Charles Barkley offered his two cents on Stephen A. Smith's feud with LeBron James.

For the past few days, James and Smith have been taking nonstop shots at each other. Things took an ugly turn on Thursday when the ESPN personality suggested that James skipped the late Kobe Bryant's memorial service. He eventually issued an apology on social media.

Smith has received most of the criticism on social media, but that doesn't mean James is innocent in all of this. On Wednesday, he took a few questionable jabs at the media during an interview with Pat McAfee. He even threw shade at ESPN insider Brian Windhorst, who has been covering the NBA legend's career since his days at St. Vincent–St. Mary High School.

Barkley didn't appreciate James' comments about Windhorst. In fact, he accused the four-time MVP of being a bully.

"LeBron, he's too big to be that type of bully," Barkley said. "To bully Stephen A. and to bully Brian Windhorst... and I've always liked LeBron, but him being a bully, it turned me off."

Even though Barkley called out James for being a bully, he made it clear that he's not picking a side in this feud. That's because he thinks Smith has also handled this situation poorly.

"But I will say this: Stephen A., the way he reacted was so lame and weak," the Hall of Famer continued. "Stephen A.'s a good dude, man. LeBron, I blame him for starting the bullying, going on Pat's show just bullying people, 'cause you know LeBron, he's a control freak. He knows everything he's doing. But the way Stephen A. reacted, talking tough. Come on, man. You're better than that."

Barkley isn't wrong about both parties being in the wrong here. However, it's unlikely James or Smith will accept accountability.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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