Thunderous Intentions
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OKC Thunder Sunday Social Swag and Shade: The ‘King’dom

By Tamberlyn Richardson

Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) drives to the basket in front of Oklahoma City Thunder center Steven Adams (12) during the second quarter at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2017; New York, NY, USA; Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) reacts during the first quarter against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

‘King’dom Shade

As much as the Bulls were actively spreading their shade all over, they paled in comparison to the shade the King himself was dispensing.

Funny how he can call out others (like his teammates or management) but analysts aren’t allowed to ever question him. To wit in one of the great player versus player turned analyst debates of all time LeBron James took exception to Charles Barkley calling him out for his public antics.

Here’s the thing, Barkley is absolutely right in his assessment. James calling out the Cavalier’s for being top-heavy is a joke. Kyrie Irving already said he was told when he negotiated his contract the team was bringing back LeBron and Kevin Love was coming over. Ditto for Tristan Thompson and J.R. Smith with James saying the team needed to bring them back.  He wanted Blatt gone- he was fired. He wanted Timofey Mozgov and JR Smith the team went and got them.

He wanted another shooter when Mike Dunleavy didn’t pan out they went and got Korver. So, now because you can’t threaten to leave this summer (because you signed a 3-year contract) you call your team out publicly. And let’s be clear he was basically saying everyone but Irving and Love weren’t getting it done.

Well, whose fault is that? While the team was losing it was LeBron’s on/off court numbers that were hurting the Cavs defensively. Sure their offense was through the roof when he was on the court, but where is his leadership? Isn’t he the one who needs to nurture the youngsters? Isn’t he the one who asked for all these players who aren’t defensive-minded?

Furthermore, Barkley didn’t call James out for his off court nonsense like embarrassing Cleveland with “the Decision”, or holding that event to make money (sure James gave some to charity, but he also pocketed from it), the cupcakes/shade  James threw at GSW at his Halloween party or the myriad of things that are rumored about James. He kept it about basketball and didn’t attack him personally. So, when James fired back attacking Barkley personally from the perspective of this scribe it was no different than the Swaggy P – D’Angelo Russell incident.

When I hear LeBron talk about his legacy all I think is right – – your legacy came perilously close to being very different. If Cleveland lost last year he would have been 2 out of 7 (instead of 3 out of 7 opportunities) in finals which is far from what MJ did in his perfect 6 for 6 finals wins. He’s buddies (Melo and Wade) came to his defense as well. So, I guess this is the LeBron James Association, not the National Basketball Association!

Must Read: Westbrook All-Star weekend bound to rub salt in open wound

Post LeBron hissy fit, Barkley again took the higher road, stating he wouldn’t respond with personal attacks. However, there were some subtle hints dropped. For example, when Barkley said I’ve met him (James) maybe 10 times and exchanged hellos. This was a subtle dig at James, who claims to respect the elder statesmen of the league.  Basically it implies James does not respect the people who came before him.

Overall the best comment Barkley made was to say “you don’t think Russell Westbrook would like to have Kevin Love and Kyrie Irving on his team?”  Hello! Enough said, Sir Charles.

LeBron James can dish it but he sure can’t take it and from my perspective, everything he does is for the cameras anyway.

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