Charles Barkley, Who Said LeBron James Would Never Be “The Guy”, Probably Left the NBA Legend Hurt in His Feelings With His Scathing Words After “The Decision”

Published 07/17/2022, 10:30 AM EDT

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James has arguably won everything there is to win. As is the case with greats, people try to criticize them at any given opportunity. However, things got to a whole different level with the backlash that LeBron James faced after ‘The Decision’ in 2010.

‘The Decision’ was a one-hour special dedicated to revealing James’ next destination. He was probably the most coveted free agent of all time, and the whole world couldn’t wait to find out. However, what followed completely destroyed LeBron’s image. Famous media personalities from around the world weighed in their opinions and one of them was Charles Barkley.

Article continues below this ad

Barkley was harsh with his criticism of LeBron. He said, “If I was 25, I would want to make sure I was the Guy… LeBron is never going to be the Guy.” He called ‘The Decision’ a “punk move” and a “dumb idea”. The criticism didn’t end with that. Barkley continued, “That was torture. I want that hour back in my life.”

NFL Legend Drops a Reality Check Bomb on LeBron James for Speaking Out on Brittney Griner: “He’s in an Unwinnable Situation”

The amount of hate LeBron James received was perhaps unparalleled. While he faced criticism for it for years, James didn’t seem too affected by Barkley’s comments. He said, “Charles was probably trying to be funny; It wasn’t funny to me”. LeBron James’ attitude towards the game completely changed after ‘The Decision’.

LeBron James chose the Miami Heat

While LeBron James has become one of the greatest players of his generation, that wasn’t the case after his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers. After facing continuous disappointments during the first seven years of his career, James decided a change of scenery was important. ‘The Decision’ was the first time a superstar informed the whole world about his next team.

Article continues below this ad

James decided to take his talents to the Miami Heat and form a ‘superteam’ with his friends Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. While LeBron had six different options to choose from, the 18-time All-Star took the decision to go to a team that gave him the highest chance of winning. Even though he faced massive backlash for the decision and the way he announced it, LeBron James probably wouldn’t have it any other way.

WATCH THIS STORY: LeBron James’ five most expensive possessions

Article continues below this ad

The Miami Heat went to four straight NBA Finals and won two championships. After that, James returned to deliver a championship to the Cleveland Cavaliers as well before moving on to the Los Angeles Lakers.

What are your thoughts on Barkley’s comments on James? Let us know in the comments.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Pragya is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. Having completed Masters in Sports Management from the International Institute of Sports Management, Mumbai, he has been a passionate fan of the NBA since 2010. Pragya is a massive supporter of LeBron James and just wants to enjoy the twilight years of his Hall of Fame career.

Edited by:

Veer Badani

Charles Barkley, Who Said LeBron James Would Never Be “The Guy”, Probably Left the NBA Legend Hurt in His Feelings With His Scathing Words After “The Decision”

LeBron James chose the Miami Heat

Trending

Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto

Why Did the Washington Mystics Pass on Angel Reese? Insider Spills the Beans on Chicago Sky Star’s #6 Pick Snub

Even After Damian Lillard’s “Personal Issues” Admission, Charles Barkley Delivers Gut Punch to Giannis-Less Bucks

“Do White Girls Get Silk Presses?”: Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese’s WNBA Draft Attires Get Judged by Notable Columnist

“Sh*tlock”: NBA Champion Stephen Jackson Blasts Controversial Reporter Jason Whitlock Over Dawn Staley Remarks