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NBA legend Charles Barkley takes massive shot at 76ers LeBron James' longevity in year 24
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- NBA legend Charles Barkley takes massive shot at 76ers LeBron James' longevity in year 24
NBA legend Charles Barkley takes massive shot at 76ers LeBron James' longevity in year 24 originally appeared on The Sporting News . Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
LeBron James is a rare breed, and he has proven that through the major milestones he has accomplished throughout his career. There will always be a debate about what James has achieved compared to Michael Jordan.
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However, there is no denying that maintaining that level of success for as long as he has is remarkable. James is set to begin his 24th NBA season this year.
"LeBron James will return for an unprecedented 24th season in the NBA -- but it won't be with the Los Angeles Lakers . James has informed the Lakers that the franchise can move on without him because he will play elsewhere, Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania on Tuesday," ESPN wrote.
James had the entire basketball world on edge during this free-agency cycle, essentially putting the NBA on hold for a month. He eventually decided to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers .
"LeBron James is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers for his final run at another NBA championship, he announced Friday," ESPN's Dave McMenamin wrote. "James, 41, is signing a two-year, $8 million contract with a player option, Klutch Sports Group CEO Rich Paul told ESPN's Shams Charania."
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James' longevity has been one of the most remarkable parts of his career, and it is difficult for anyone to deny just how impressive it has been. Well, Charles Barkley certainly has his doubts, as he recently took a shot at James' ability to defy Father Time.
"We have to be honest about LeBron. Just because you're putting up good numbers don't mean you're being affective. — People say he's defying the odds but if my memory serves me correctly, he's gotten swept in the playoffs the last couple of years. — LeBron is playing well but to say he's beating Father Time, they got swept the last two years in the playoffs so don't tell me how great he's playing," Barkley said on Bill Simmons' podcast.
This is where two different eras of basketball come into play. The modern game places a significant emphasis on statistics, and by that measure, James has continued to produce at an extremely high level throughout his career. However, when it comes to winning the biggest games and making deep playoff runs, his recent results have not been as impressive.
Barkley did not hold back when discussing James' playoff performances, although last season's sweep came against the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder . The NBA legend clearly wanted to remind everyone that James is entering a different stage of his career as he gets older.
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Perhaps Barkley's comments will provide James with even more motivation heading into his 24th season.
