The feud between LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith has managed to dominate the sports world spotlight this week despite all of the actual games being played across multiple major sports as March winds down. Charles Barkley has watched it all unfold and doesn't believe either side comes out great in the situation—and said James comes across as a "bully."
Speaking on the Dan Patrick Show after James appeared on ESPN to call out Smith, Brian Windhorst, and the media in general, Barkley gave his reaction to the whole debacle.
"LeBron, he's too big to be that type of bully," Barkley said. "To bully Stephen A., to bully Brian Windhorst. Brian Windhorst is a sweet person, man. He's just trying to do his thing. And I've always liked LeBron, but him being a bully, it turned me off."
"But I will say this: Stephen A., the way he reacted, was so lame and weak. Stephen A. is a good dude, man, but for him to react... LeBron, I blame him for starting the bullying. Going on (the Pat McAfee Show), just bullying people. Because, you know, LeBron is a control freak. He knows everything he's doing. He knows everything he's doing. He knew when he walked up to Stephen A. what he was doing. But the way Stephen A. reacted, going on Gilbert (Arenas's) podcast, talking tough, come on, man. You're better than that."
"I've always liked LeBron, but him being a bully, it turned me off. But I will say this, Stephen A., the way he reacted, was so lame and weak."
— Dan Patrick Show (@dpshow) March 28, 2025
– Charles Barkley on the ongoing LeBron James/Stephen A. Smith saga. pic.twitter.com/sS9weLivcs
Strong words from a former NBA player-turned-media member.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Charles Barkley Calls LeBron James a 'Bully' for Role in Stephen A. Smith Dispute .
