“He’s just a nice man” - Charles Barkley on the one Kobe-Jordan-esque trait LeBron didn’t possess

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Renowned for his outspoken nature, Charles Barkley is never one to shy away from expressing his views candidly, especially when they’re around the best NBA players.

Even during his appearance on ‘All The Smoke’ podcast, the 1993 MVP wasn’t asked directly about the GOAT debate and didn’t mince his words when discussing LeBron James. Barkley pinpointed the trait that separates ‘King James’ from Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.

How LeBron is different from Kobe and Jordan

When hosts Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes inquired about his list of the NBA’s best players, Barkley unsurprisingly placed Jordan at the pinnacle of his rankings, with Kobe Bryant securing the sixth spot and LeBron James trailing at seventh. Barkley didn’t just leave it at that; he explained positioning the 20-time All-Star at 7th, citing a particular attribute that he believes LeBron lacks, which made both Kobe and MJ unstoppable.

“I had an argument with a dude. He’s the biggest LeBron fan in the world. And I said, ‘Yo, man, I didn’t put Steve Nash ahead of LeBron. No disrespect. I put Kobe Bryant.’ And I love LeBron. I said, ‘But the difference, in my opinion – Michael and Kobe will kill you. Like, LeBron’s a nice guy.'” Ain’t nobody ever said Kobe and Michael were nice guys,’ Barkley said. “I said, ‘Those words ain’t never been spoken.'”

Barkley thinks LeBron is the greatest sports story

While Barkley’s comments about LeBron’s placement on his list of top players may raise eyebrows, it’s crucial to understand that they weren’t meant to belittle the four-time MVP. In a prior segment of the interview, the 11-time All-Star actually dubbed LeBron as the greatest sports story in history.

Additionally, while venting his frustrations about Skip Bayless and the Undisputed hosts’ tendency to scrutinize James relentlessly, the 60-year-old applauded the LA Lakers star for steering clear of trouble in the social media age.

“In this generation with social media, he’s never gotten in trouble,” Barkley said. “He’s lived up to all the hype… I think it’s probably the greatest story in sports history. Like, to be, number one, be as good from 18 and never really get in trouble in this society where people… out to get you. I think it’s probably the greatest story of all time.”

Even though the ‘Round Mound of Rebound’s’ opinion may not align with the general consensus at times, he doesn’t shy away from acknowledging greatness when it’s warranted.