Charles Barkley does not really make friends at ESPN prior to the long -awaited relocation from the NBA to the cable giant next season.
The Hall of Famer and former NBA MVP shot ESPN NBA analyst Kendrick Perkins on Thursday as an 'idiot' after comments about the Los Angeles Lakers in the aftermath of their acquisition of Luka Doncic.
“At the moment, the Los Angeles Lakers saved the NBA,” Perkins told his fellow ESPN guests with LeBron James, Doncic & Co. on Wednesday. On a seven-game winning streak.
Without mentioning Perkins by name, Barkley destroyed the Journeyman Center during the Thursday episode of TNT's Inside the NBA. Before the Lakers organized the visiting New York Knicks in LA on Thursday evening, Barkley referred to Perkins as a 'fool' because he suggests that Los Angeles somehow raised the NBA season.
“I saw a fool, idiot on TV and said the Lakers will save the NBA,” said Barkley. “He is an idiot and a fool, but he knows who he is.”
“First of all, the Lakers had a big two weeks,” Barkley told his TNT-CO-Hosts Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith and Shaquille O'Neal. “He said the Lakers saved the NBA season. That's because they fool on the other network, for which we will work for next year, that's all they are talking about.
Charles Barkley does not make friends at ESPN prior to the switch from the NBA to the network
Barkley shot Perkins and ESPN about what he regards as an obsession with the Lakers
“Hey man, the Lakers are doing great,” Barkley continued, as quoted by Vresfulannouncing.com. “I still have a long way to go. But the reason that the season is great – the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder – you just want to talk about the Warriors and the Lakers. They both do great. Don't get me wrong. If I turn out to be wrong, I have no problem with that.
“But you are idiots” because you talk about the Lakers and the Warriors all the time. The Cleveland Cavaliers have won 12 consecutive games. Oklahoma City has the MVP and they are on fire. You are talking about who is in second place. That is the reason I get angry. Hey, the Lakers are doing great. I don't mind being wrong. The Warriors are doing great.
'But that is because you fools on the other network, that we will be fools next year when we work on that network, but Oklahoma City and the CAVS balls have been for six months. You talk about teams that had two great weeks. '
Barkley preceded his comments by saying that he wants 'all smoke' and Perkins did not disappoint.
In response to the Ronde Rebound Rebound, the former Celtics Center directed a social media post at TNT.
“Hey @nbaonttt,” Perkins wrote on X. “Maybe seniors Charles Barkley tell me that I will be in the neighborhood. If he sees an idiot or fool personally, make sure that he retains the same energy. He can come and play with me if he wants to and imma his a ** as the figures appeal to a house. Straight from the 409 Homeboy and we burst no one and fade. #Texasboy. '
The 409Net number belongs to East -Texas, where the Beaumont's birthplace can be found next to the border with Louisiana.
“Yo Chuck, stop the BS with the” You all, “” Smith wrote on X. “Confirm a name. I know I talked about @cavs as the number 1 threat to the @Celtics. As soon as you come here, some people will wait to call you a fool. Ps, you know I love you. See you soon. '
Barkley made it clear that he referred to Perkins on TNT.
In response to Ronde Rebound Rebound, the former Celtics star directed an X-post on TNT
Charles Barkley and Kendrick Perkins are seen speaking prior to an NBA Finals game 2019
And the two have exchanged words over the years. Usually it is Barkley who accuses Perkins of trying to be provocative to appease his ESPN bosses.
But now, with TNT, Barkley and TNTs in the NBA crew, with TNT, will be shown on ESPN.
The show will continue to be produced by TNT in the Network Studios in Atlanta, but Americans can only watch ESPN from next season.
Perkins, who recently signed an extension with ESPN, or his fellow hosts will not be expected to leave to make room for Barkley & Co.
Barkley has long been a critic of ESPN, the NBA coverage and the general atmosphere of the network.
“Times have changed, Kenny,” he told Smith in November, discussing reports about the ESPN deal. “We have to go back to kissing ass.”
