Charles Barkley Could Give Close Friend Michael Jordan’s GOAT Title to LeBron James If 76ers Win Back-to-Back Titles

When LeBron James was contemplating which team to sign with, Charles Barkley became the biggest critic whenever the Philadelphia 76ers were talked about as a possible destination.

The ‘Round Mound of Rebound’ stated that joining his former team would be another example of the King ring chasing. He preferred it if the league’s all-time leading scorer joined his hometown team, the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Others also claimed that James’ GOAT legacy would take a severe hit if he were to join what could be the league’s best starting five. But now, after the superstar announced his decision, Barkley revealed he could change his opinion on the GOAT debate.

If he wins back-to-back championships and walks away from this thing at 44, 45. I’ll say something I ain’t never said before. This dude, I think I just saw the greatest basketball player ever… If he wins two more, I think you’ll have to be kind of crazy not to say he is the best to ever do it.

Charles Barkley said

This was the Hall of Famer’s response when Stephen A. Smith asked whether winning two championships in Philadelphia would change Barkley’s opinion of the GOAT.

Charles Barkley says LeBron James would have to win back to back championships to get the GOAT title:

“If he wins back to back championships and walks away this thing at 44, 45. I’ll say something I ain’t never said before. This dude I think I just saw the greatest basketball… https://t.co/Z9MA8kZD0W pic.twitter.com/8Zzr9lkUHB

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) July 24, 2026

The latter’s answer did surprise Smith. He asked Barkley whether he was willing to change his opinion, considering both of them always maintained that Michael Jordan is their GOAT.

But the Alabama native reiterated that if LeBron James were to win back-to-back at an age where every NBA player in history has retired, it would be thought-provoking and unfair not to consider the forward as the all-time best.

Charles Barkley slams LeBron James’ decision to join 76ers

Before Charles Barkley came to admit that he might have to give LeBron James the GOAT crown over his close friend Michael Jordan, he made his opinion clear on what he feels about the superstar joining the 76ers.

The number one knock on LeBron for older guys like myself has always been, ‘Yo, man, you always stacking your team.’ He stacked in Miami. He stacked in Cleveland. He stacked in LA. Now he’s stacking it in Philly. So, that to me, I’m going to still have the same criticism I’ve always had.

Barkley said

The former league MVP kept it a buck when it came to criticizing James’ decision to join another super team. Barkley reiterated that this decision will allow the criticisms and narratives to continue until the father of three retires.

He also believes that even after James retires, those superteam allegations will continue to malign his legacy. The 63-year-old also pointed out that not only will this decision ‘paint a bullseye’ on LeBron James’ back, but now, if the 76ers do not win a championship, it could destroy the superstar’s legacy for good.

LeBron James ruined Charles Barkley’s golf outing

Even though there was build-up that maybe LeBron James would announce his decision this weekend, Charles Barkley was not happy that his time off was going to be ruined in this manner.

I was good, till y’all ruined my damn day. I was heading to the golf course; I had to turn around cause this dufus made his announcement.

Barkley said

The Inside the NBA analyst was clearly upset about being interrupted, as he was about to play golf. But instead, this announcement forced him to stay at home and join Stephen A. Smith on his namesake podcast.

Charles Barkley credits the Celtics for LeBron joining Philly:

“I was shocked, he has no affiliation with the 76ers. But i think the kicker was Jaylen Brown. I don’t know what the Celtics were thinking. LeBron would’ve have come to Philly if they didn’t get Jaylen Brown. Someone… pic.twitter.com/qwSt6GIkfe

— JayTakes (@SportsWithJay0) July 24, 2026

After talking about how shocked he was to hear this news, Barkley pointed out that the real credit for this should go to the Boston Celtics. If they hadn’t traded away Jaylen Brown, the 76ers would not be a potential candidate to land the four-time league MVP. Now, they will have to contend with both their former star and James on the same team.

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