“Just because you say something doesn’t make it controversial, and it doesn’t make you a bad person.” Said long back, but still acts as a disclaimer to any issue Charles Barkley chooses to speak on because he cannot hold back his opinions. If he finds something wrong, you will hear about it. Just recently, he took shots at ESPN for obsessing over the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors. But unlucky Trae Young; this time the target was him. But was it for his game? Well, no. But for something that happened before tip-off. Guess what?

The Atlanta Hawks finally broke a five-game losing streak against the Indiana Pacers by securing a 124-118 victory. To no one’s surprise, Young played a crucial role, finishing with 22 points and 16 assists. Atlanta trailed behind by 10 in the third but turned things around with a strong fourth quarter and it was Georges Niang’s clutch shots that sealed the deal. But even after playing a crucial role, what sparked a debate, because it can’t be Young’s performance.

Before the game, Young was lying on the court, getting his leg stretched, with his young son beside him. Barkley wasn’t having it. The man went straight into it, asking, “What’s up with these kids on the court?”. When Kenny Smith defended Young, Barkley doubled down and told the athletes not to have their kids on the court. While joking, Barkley stated, “Bring your kids to the studio one night. I’m going to whoop the hell out of them.” But how will he punish them?

However, when others jokingly asked if he was going to use the belt on the kids, Chuck revealed that he had other plans for the punishment. He claimed, “I ain’t going to use no belt. I’m going to go get some switches.” This isn’t Barkley’s first time voicing his disapproval. Back in 2015, he also criticized Steph Curry for bringing his daughter to a post-game press conference, saying, “Reporters are there trying to do their job.”

For Charles Barkley, basketball courts and press conferences aren’t places for kids. Whether fans agree or not, one thing’s certain—Chuck always speaks his mind.

Charles Barkley criticizes ESPN over NBA coverage

The Los Angeles Lakers are once again the center of attention, riding a seven-game winning streak. They are holding the No. 2 seed in the West. As agonizing as the trade of Luka Dončić was to the Maverick fans, for the Lakers, it was a boon, as the evidence suggests. With their performance lately, the team is showing great promise! However, Charles Barkley isn’t buying into the hype.

During a recent episode of Inside the NBA, Barkley criticized ESPN for constantly highlighting the Lakers and Warriors while ignoring other top teams. He specifically aimed at Kendrick Perkins, who had stated, “Right now, the Los Angeles Lakers are saving the NBA.” Barkley didn’t hold back, calling Perkins a fool for making such a claim.

Not one to stay silent, Perkins fired back on social media, challenging Barkley to keep that same energy when they become colleagues at ESPN. Even Stephen A. Smith joined the conversation, reminding Barkley that ESPN does cover other teams. He claimed, “Once you come over here, there’s gonna be some folks waiting to call YOU a fool. P.S. You know I love ya, though.”

For Barkley, the issue isn’t just about the Lakers—it’s about fairness. Teams like Oklahoma City and Cleveland are making history, yet they’re overshadowed. He argued, “Y’all just want to talk about the Warriors and the Lakers. Oklahoma City’s got the MVP, and they are on fire.”

With Barkley set to join ESPN next season, the heated debates are just getting started. Will he shake up NBA media, or will the Lakers’ dominance remain the focus? One thing is certain—this showdown is far from over.