Cleveland Cavaliers: LeBron James Was Right To Attack Charles Barkley

LeBron James attacks 11-time NBA All-Star Charles Barkley after the TNT analyst called the reigning Finals MVP’s recent comments “whiny.”

I’ve been harsh on LeBron James’ January antics with the Cleveland Cavaliers in the past, but his profanity-laced plea for a “playmaker” via the media is OK in my book. So is his latest tirade against Charles Barkley.

Barkley’s an analyst on TNT — it’s his job to be entertaining. But his comments on No. 23’s plea to Cavaliers general manager David Griffin for roster depth are comical.

In what way is it “whiny” to let frustration boil over during a tough stretch? Come on, Chuck. James has made it clear he’s “chasing that ghost in Chicago.” He’s the (one of the) best basketball player of all-time to those who have followed “The Chosen One” throughout his illustrious career — yet haters remain. Michael Jordan ended his career with six NBA championships. Currently, James has three and at 32, his window is closing.

Hence, my point; What in the world does Barkley know about the pressure attached to chasing a legend? I could keep going, but luckily James threw some haymakers at Chuck following the Cavaliers puzzling loss to the Dallas Mavericks Monday:

First of all, Barkley responded to James’ clap-back and said he always keeps his criticism to on-court things and would never get personal. I don’t know, but calling a three-time NBA champion a whiner sounds personal to me. Excuse me — not personal — disrespectful.

So, are all of LeBron’s claims true about the ring-less Barkley? He definitely threw someone through a window.

Yup, spit on a kid too.

As sure as the sky is blue, he has a good time in Las Vegas. Good ole’ Chuck also states in perhaps the greatest Nike commercial of all time he is “not a role model.” And it’s true, LeBron has never expressed ill-will towards attending All-Star Weekend.

Barkley is correct in his response to James, he did do his homework.

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James is correct in his self-assessment — fourteen years he’s been in the league without any behavioral issues. While entertaining, Barkley’s takes on the NBA are as egregious and asinine as a Skip Bayless Twitter rant.

The Cleveland Cavaliers finish the month of January with a record of 7-8. Monday’s loss and James’ frustration could partially be to blame for his heated comments on Barkley, but it’s clear he’s tired of his basketball inferior critiquing his actions.

“Screw Charles Barkley,” is how James ended his rant Monday, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN. I’ve heard Cavs fans say he should just be quiet and play ball, given the team’s recent struggles. I can’t argue with that logic, but James has a right to defend himself when he feels unfairly slighted.

Barkley and LeBron have history — this isn’t anything new. James reached his boiling point and his buddy Dwayne Wade came to his defense:

LeBron thrives on chaos. His annual odd January antics bring enough panic to the fanbase and provide ample content for talk radio shows. Bottomline, I’m done questioning No. 23. I firmly believe everything he does is calculated and James latest rant against Barkley is no different. But if there’s ever a Charles Barkley Comedy Central Roast, a LeBron invitation is a must. He can obviously dish out a solid dose of insults.

Next: Cavs Trade Talk: 5 Players To Target Before The Deadline

In other news, James’ wish for a backup point guard may be granted (kind of ) in the next few days. The team will try out veteran guards Mario Chalmers, Lance Stephenson and Kirk Hinrich Wednesday. The Cleveland Cavaliers face the Minnesota Timberwolves tonight at 7 p.m. at Quicken Loans Arena.