Legend Charles Barkley never holds back when talking about basketball, and this time he focused on LeBron James. During an appearance on The Bill Simmons Podcast, the former Phoenix Suns player explained why he believes the Los Angeles Lakers star is different from Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, despite considering him one of the top three players he’s ever seen in his life.
“The three best players I’ve ever seen were Michael, Kobe and LeBron,”Barkley stated. “The difference is that Jordan and Bryant were dangerous, they had that killer instinct… LeBron is a nice guy. That doesn’t mean he’s not great, because he is, but he’s different.”
Legend LeBron James compared to Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
In his analysis, Barkley went further and compared LeBron to one of the NBA’s rising stars: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. The Canadian led the Oklahoma City Thunder to win the championship in 2025 and was named both regular season MVP and Finals MVP, confirming his place among the best in the world.
“Shai is an incredible player, but he reminds me more of LeBron,”Barkley noted. “He’s a really nice guy, he’s not trying to destroy you, and I think that’s the difference with Jordan and Kobe.”
Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant had the killer instinct
For Barkley, what sets Jordan and Bryant apart is a ruthless mentality that goes beyond talent. “The difference between Michael and Kobe is that they wanted to humiliate you, kill you on the court,” he said. “It’s the same kind of mentality that Tom Brady or Roger Clemens had: do whatever it takes to win, no matter who likes you or who you offend.”
Jordan, a six-time NBA champion and five-time MVP, built his legend on fierce and unbreakable competitiveness. Bryant, with five rings in his career and the famous “Mamba Mentality,” earned a reputation as a relentless player, willing to give everything for victory.
LeBron James leaves a great legacy in the NBA
LeBron James, with four NBA titles and four MVP awards, became the league’s all-time leading scorer in 2023. His legacy has been built around his leadership, his ability to elevate teammates, and unprecedented longevity.
However, Barkley’s perspective highlights a recurring debate in the NBA: what truly defines greatness? For some, absolute dominance comes from an aggressive and ruthless mindset; for others, leadership and the ability to make others better are also legendary traits.
The eternal debate about greatness in the NBA
Barkley’s words reignite the discussion on how to measure greatness in basketball. While James and Gilgeous-Alexander are admired for their impact, professionalism, and collaborative playing style, Jordan and Bryant are remembered as symbols of extreme competitive spirit.
Ultimately, Barkley’s analysis reflects two different paths to the top: one based on ferocity and obsession with winning at all costs, and another that prioritizes talent, vision, and teamwork. Both valid, both historic, but with a nuance that will continue to fuel debates among basketball fans and experts.
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