“I Was So Pissed But I Was So Drunk Too!”: Charles Barkley Nearly Got Traded to the Lakers But Fate Once Intervened

NBA legend Charles Barkley is one of the game’s most beloved players. He is a fan favorite for his jolly personality and his knack for telling stories on the sets of ‘Inside the NBA’ and elsewhere. During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, the NBA Hall of Famer recalled an incident involving the Los Angeles Lakers. Apparently, the Lakers wanted a young Barkley who was playing for the Philadelphia 76ers.

This naturally made him very happy. While celebrating his major move to the Lakers, Barkley got a call from his agent which ruined the whole mood and is the reason why he doesn’t remember anything from that point onwards.

Charles Barkley once almost got traded to the Lakers

A championship ring is the only thing missing from Charles Barkley’s trophy cabinet. Getting to play for the Los Angeles Lakers is a dream for many and Barkley got the perfect opportunity very early in his career. The Lakers wanted him and they contacted his agent.

When his agent conveyed the news to Barkley, he naturally got very ecstatic and started partying in the afternoon. However, the Philadelphia 76ers pulled out of the deal which is why Chuck couldn’t get the move.

Talking on Jimmy Kimmel Live!, Barkley said, “I was so excited. My agent calls me back about 3 hrs later and he says that the Sixers pulled out of the deal and we got a game that night. I don’t remember anything about that game. First of all, I was so pissed but I was so drunk too. I have no idea what happened that game.”

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Interestingly, Barkley also revealed that this was not the first time where he has had such an experience. The 11-time NBA All-Star has played while hungover before. However, this was the first time he played while intoxicated.

Barkley partied hours before a game once

In 2005, a retired Charles Barkley was taking part in the American Century Championship Golf Tournament for celebrities. The 1992-93 league MVP is an avid golfer and has numerous golfing stories with NBA legend Michael Jordan.

Before his game, he hosted a late-night party and spent over $2000 on drinks. Interestingly, he was drinking well past 2:30 AM and this happens to be just hours before he played his golf match.

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