LeBron James, Charles Barkley get into a war of words; We have a reason to post those Right Guard commericals Barkley starred in

You can add “standing up for himself” to the unbelievably long list of things LeBron James does well.

After Charles Barkley took James to task for openly discussing his free agency following the 2010 season, the current Cleveland Cavalier called the former Right Guard pitchman “stupid.”

From the Associated Press:

James has made no secret about his desire to be a transcendent world icon.

He’s flirted with the idea of playing in Europe and built a rather impressive stable of celebrity friends.

He’s even hosted “Saturday Night Live” in (gasp) New York.

He’s

also carried a mediocre Cleveland team to the NBA Finals, rejuvenated a

franchise and averaged 27.9 points, 7.2 rebounds and 6.3 assists this

year.

Ironically, Barkley is pleading for James to shut up and

just play basketball. There’s a few people out there who would have

preferred the Round Mound of Doubling Down did the same during his

career.

Look, Barkley is going to say exactly what’s on his

mind. He’s boisterous and entertaining. That’s why he’s gainfully

employed as an analyst. But he’s missed the mark here.

Pretending

this enormous cloud of uncertainty isn’t hanging over LeBron’s future

would just be ignorant. So would pretending Cleveland as sexy of a

market as the Big Apple.

Until all the i’s are dotted and t’s are crossed on James’ lucrative new deal, it’s going to be a story.

Hopefully this little tiff goes away though — not that we need to see any more kissing and making up from Chuck.

Anything less would be, well… uncivilized.