In a recent segment on ESPN, Charles Barkley delivered a comedic jab at Stephen A. Smith while discussing the Los Angeles Lakers’ struggles without star player LeBron James. As the Lakers faced a challenging stretch of games, currently sitting at three wins and three losses without James, Barkley humorously expressed his concerns about the team’s performance and the potential consequences of their star’s absence.

During the broadcast, Barkley cautioned against underestimating LeBron’s value, noting, “I don’t want him running up on me,” in reference to the superstar’s competitive nature. He added, “Get well soon, LeBron. I don’t want you whooping my ass or anything like that in the stadium,” invoking laughter from his fellow commentators and viewers alike. Barkley’s lighthearted remarks highlighted the respect and fear that LeBron’s presence commands, even among seasoned analysts.

The conversation took a humorous turn when Barkley compared the hypothetical scenario of LeBron confronting him to a comedic moment involving Larry David from the show “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” He quipped, “Ain’t nothing worse than getting your ass beat in front of 20,000 people,” further emphasizing the absurdity of the situation.

This light-hearted banter comes at a time when the Lakers are facing pressure to perform, particularly with an upcoming game against the Denver Nuggets. As LeBron continues to recover, the team must navigate the challenges of maintaining their competitiveness in a tough Western Conference.

Barkley’s playful trolling of Smith not only entertained fans but also underscored the ongoing narrative surrounding LeBron’s impact on the Lakers. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on the Lakers to see how they fare without their leader and how quickly he can return to the court.