Charles Barkley thinks LeBron James is a nice guy, and his story is the greatest of all athletes.
With LeBron James winding up his 21st season, everyone naturally wonders how far he can go. No doubt he is the most conditioned athlete in basketball at the age of 39, which can keep him going.
However, Charles Barkley wants the Los Angeles Lakers superstar to not make the same mistake as Michael Jordan and retire soon.
I hope he retires soon. Because I hated the way I retired. Cause I sucked. It ends badly for every jock. Your ego says you can still do it. I hope he retires while he can still play. I've been there myself. I saw Patrick Ewing on his last legs. Saw Michael Jordan playing with the Wizards. That's the greatest player I played against, I don't want to see him doing that with the Wizards. I don't want to see any great play when they past their prime.Guest Charles Barkley said
Essentially, the Hall of Fame forward suggested that James should explore retirement while he is still at the top. He should look at Michael Jordan‘s situation with the Wizards as an example.
Barkley alluded that Michael Jordan’s time with the Washington Wizards was purely a business decision. The 6-time champion was already past his best and was only there to help his team win. However, that time with the Wizards is the only part of Jordan’s career that nobody wants to talk about.
“I don’t want to see any great play when they’re past their prime. It ends badly for every jock. … I hope he retires while he still can play.” – Charles Barkley pic.twitter.com/LVjItEmvdd
— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) May 3, 2024
Barkley wants the all-time leading scorer to retire on his own terms. Not being forced to leave the game just because younger players or their health is defeating them. He prefers for the greats of a game to walk away with their heads held high.
Shannon Sharpe pressed the round mound of rebound about the GOAT debate between LeBron James and Michael Jordan.
I like him a lot as a person. He's a nice guy. I think it's the greatest story of any jock who's ever lived. He's exceeded the expectations. And to never get in trouble in this generation. Everybody's got a cell phone now, people are deliberately trying to get you. I think it's the greatest sports story ever.Barkley said this about the Los Angeles Lakers superstar
Charles Barkley considers Jordan to be a killer, and that separates him from James. But the 4-time champion life story is something to behold and use as an inspiration for younger players.
Barkley did say that James doing what he is doing with the game is commendable. This is why no one has been able to match the output James brings off the court. He wants the NBA to use James’ capabilities as a leader and businessman to help the teams.
The 61-year-old thinks that James will have an amazing life after his retirement. He has built his system to ensure his ventures thrive. Therefore, how far he takes his basketball life should be in his hands.