TNT analyst Charles Barkley took a big shot at LeBron James as part of the endless GOAT debate between the Los Angeles Lakers star and Michael Jordan. In reference to Jordan's trials and tribulations as shown in ESPN's docuseries “The Last Dance,” Barkley prompted James would want no part of the Bad Boy Pistons, who regularly administered Jordan with some stiff physical punishment:

“I love LeBron, but I do think the way they play the game today, he didn't want a part of those Bad Boy Pistons,” said Barkley during a Zoom conversation with Kentucky head coach John Calipari.

Unlike Jordan, James already had the body of a seasoned pro by the time he entered the league, though MJ did chisel up over time in order to better withstand the physical pounding he took. Yet the flagrant nature of the abuse the Bad Boys dished out is one that is only overcome with elite mental toughness.

The Lakers star has had his mental toughness tested in several playoff losses, including many in the NBA Finals. He was tested in the early part of his career for his lack of sound shooting ability, and he battles trouble at the foul line to this day as a subpar free-throw shooter for an elite-level player.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Lakers, LeBron James, Nuggets, Bronny James, Deion Sanders

Jackson Stone ·

Lakers Anthony Davis and Darvin Ham after NBA Playoffs loss to Nuggets

Jay Postrado ·

cG9zdDoyODE2OTc4-thumbnail

Peter Sampson ·

Barkley is likely not jumping to many conclusions saying this, considering James has a history of avidly arguing for calls — something that wouldn't go over well during the “no-blood, no-foul” '80s and '90s.

Jordan miraculously survived the constant physical play and made himself a stronger opponent as well as a better passer to finally get over those Detroit Pistons in the 1991 Eastern Conference Finals. Barkley isn't wrong here for thinking James couldn't have battled those same Pistons the way Jordan did through the pinnacle of his career.