LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers held their nerves in a closely contested match-up against the Minnesota Timberwolves. With this play-in win, the Lakers have booked their playoff berth and will face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round. James played a huge part in the win scoring 36 points with 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 block in 33 minutes of play. NBA legend Charles Barkley praised the four-time NBA champion for his efforts. But the fans still slammed Barkley.
Despite missing out on star center Rudy Gobert, the T-Wolves took an early lead. They have only themselves to blame for their performance in the fourth quarter which led the Lakers to make a comeback.
Charles Barkley slammed the Lakers in the mid-season
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Charles Barkley does not shy away from expressing his opinion. The Philadelphia 76ers legend has faced much backlash for his comments over the years as a basketball analyst. However, that does not stop the 1993 NBA MVP from truly sharing his thoughts. Barkley has had some interesting comments about the Los Angeles Lakers this season. In December, he was disgruntled about the Lakers games on national television.
Another Lakers update from the Chuckster 🤣 pic.twitter.com/w5FrOXkbhc
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) December 14, 2022
“The Lakers stink, yet [the NBA is] forcing us to show ’em all the time like they’re gonna be good,” Barkley said. “There’s a conspiracy. And then we got all these clowns on television have to talk about them every day.”
At the time the Lakers were the 12th seed in the Western Conference and it did not look like they will make the playoffs or even the play-in tournament. So, Chuck could not fathom the reason behind telecasting Lakers games on national TV. He wondered whether the crew ever talks about the 12th seed in the Eastern Conference. And the fans have not forgotten this.
Barkley’s comments on LeBron James did not impress the fans
Ahead of the play-in game between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Minnesota Timberwolves, Charles Barkley picked the Lakers to win the game. Also, after the game, he heaped praise on LeBron James. According to a tweet from Legion Hoops, Barkley said, “LeBron is amazing. 40 years old, killing himself in a play-in game.”?However, the fans are not taking it. James’ faithful flooded the comment section and ripped apart the 11-time NBA All-Star. Here are some reactions:
Chuck switching every 30 min pic.twitter.com/z9rL4h5pjj
— Tevin. (@tevin_kakooza) April 12, 2023
30 minutes ago he was just slandering the Lakers and a hour ago he was glazing the Lakers
— Ravens and Lakers fan (@Kevohoop) April 12, 2023
Charles should be arrested for hating on LeBron…
— Bobby (@BobbySolez) April 12, 2023
Many fans noted Barkley’s harsh comments about the Lakers in the past and suggested he is switching up quickly.
Barkley hates everyone who has a chip. 😂
— Rapidpenguinz (@Patrick___29) April 12, 2023
All chuck lebron complements be backhanded lmao
— Burna (@burnaboi_) April 12, 2023
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Back handed compliment lol
— Chuck (@chuck_jj2) April 12, 2023
On the other hand, some fans thought the comment from Barkley was a backhanded compliment and slammed him as a hater.
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What do you think about Barkley’s comments on LeBron James? Let us know your thoughts.