Charles Barkley Calls LeBron James 'Stupid'

While doing an interview on “Dan Patrick Radio” Charles Barkley let it be known that LeBron James has no business talking about his future with another team while he is still playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Read more about Lebron James Vogue Magazine Cover Image Called Controversial.

"If I was LeBron James, I would shut the hell up," Charles Barkley said Wednesday during the interview. "I'm a big LeBron fan. He's a stud. You gotta give him his props. I'm getting so annoyed he's talking about what he's going to do in two years. I think it's disrespectful to the game. I think it's disrespectful to the Cavaliers."

LeBron James has not taken the comments lying down. Friday night before the Cavaliers’ game against Golden State, he gave Hall of Famer Barkley a piece of his mind.

"He's stupid. That's all I've got to say about that," James said Friday night before the Cavaliers' game against Golden State.

LeBron has three more seasons left on a four-year contract extension that was signed in 2006 with the Cavaliers. The contract went into effect in 2007 and also includes a player option for the fourth season. If LeBron decides to decline the player option, he will become a free agent in 2010. And the New York Knicks are already trying to clear up salary-cap space to accommodate a highly revered free-agent class in 2010. Read more about NBA.

Just this week LeBron said he would not think twice about leaving Cleveland if another team offers him a better shot at winning multiple NBA titles. His sense of loyalty to Cleveland was questioned by reporters and James responded by saying: "I think you do what is best for you and you do what is best for your career."

Barkley quickly shot back stating that LeBron’s behavior is similar to Barkley saying he couldn’t wait to go to ESPN in two years while still doing analyst broadcasts for TNT. Sir Charles further added that if LeBron did go to New York, it wouldn’t make him any more of a superstar with no additional marketing appeal than if he were playing in Cleveland, Sacramento or Tokyo.

LeBron has said it’s difficult not talking about his potential free agency, he still intends on remaining focused on Cleveland and “winning a championship.”

"So it gets funny at times, but I don't think about making a change at this point. I am focusing on the team I have here and the relationship I have with the Cavs." Read about Charles Barkley Having a Colonoscopy On TV to raise awareness of colon cancer and men's health issues.

© 2006 - 2008 - HULIQ