“Greatest story in sports!” Charles Barkley heaps HUGE praise for LeBron James as 39-year-old superstar continues to shine

LeBron James stands as an unquestionable titan in the realm of the NBA, earning his place among the greatest players to grace the basketball court.

Charles Barkley, also known as the “Round Mound of Rebound,” may find aspects to critique about LeBron James, but his respect for the NBA scoring leader is unwavering.

Despite any reservations, Barkley openly acknowledges James as one of the all-time greats and even recently placed him ahead of Michael Jordan, a surprising testament to the Lakers’ superstar’s exceptional talent.

Barkley’s admiration for James stems from the latter’s remarkable journey, starting in his teenage years in the NBA. From securing a starting position as a rookie with the Cavaliers, averaging nearly 21 points per game in 79 appearances, James continuously elevated his scoring prowess.

His second season saw an increase to 27 points per game, reaching an impressive 31 points per game at its pinnacle.

In an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, Barkley shared his perspective on the 4-time champion:

“I think Michael Jordan is a greater player, but I think LeBron’s story is arguably the greatest story in sports because, out of all the guys in high school who came to the NBA, he was actually the only one who was ready.”

Barkley drew a parallel between LeBron James and other high school prodigies who entered the NBA, highlighting James as the only one prepared for the challenges. He noted struggles faced by players like Kobe Bryant, Kevin Garnett, and Tracy McGrady, emphasizing that LeBron stood out as the exception.

James has etched his legacy in NBA history with four championships and the title of the league’s all-time leading scorer. Barkley goes beyond the on-court achievements, suggesting that James’ story deserves recognition as the “best narrative” in the realm of basketball.

In a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs, LeBron James showcased his enduring prowess, contributing 30 points, nine assists, and seven rebounds to guide the Los Angeles Lakers to their seventh win in nine games.

Despite French rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama‘s historic “5×5” statistical feat, the Lakers secured a 123-118 victory.

Wembanyama, making NBA history as the youngest player to achieve a “5×5” in his first road game against the Lakers, showcased exceptional skills, but James, returning after a brief absence due to an ankle injury, led the Lakers to victory.