Charles Barkley calls LeBron James ‘doofus’ after 76ers decision ruins golf plans

1 hour ago 2

LeBron James’ decision to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers sent shockwaves throughout the NBA. It also ruined Charles Barkley’s Friday afternoon. James announced Friday that he will join Philadelphia on a two-year, $8 million contract that includes a player option for the second season. The blockbuster decision ended weeks of speculation surrounding the 41-year-old star’s future and immediately transformed the 76ers into one of the favorites to win the 2027 NBA championship.

While most of the basketball world celebrated or debated the move, Barkley had a different concern. The NBA Hall of Famer was apparently on his way to play golf when James made the announcement and forced him to change his plans. Barkley jokingly expressed his frustration during an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show.”

“I was heading to the golf course and now I gotta turn around because this doofus had to make his announcement,” Barkley said. “Don’t interrupt my damn schedule. I’ve been playing golf all week and now y’all piss me off because I gotta work on a Friday.”

Only Barkley could respond to one of the biggest transactions in recent NBA history by complaining about missing a round of golf.

Charles Barkley has strong connection to Philadelphia

Barkley’s reaction carried additional meaning because of his long history with the 76ers. Philadelphia selected Barkley with the No. 5 overall pick in the 1984 NBA Draft. He spent the first eight seasons of his career with the franchise, earning six consecutive All-Star selections before being traded to the Phoenix Suns in 1992.

Charles Barkley says LeBron ruined his day:

“I was heading to the golf course and now I gotta turn around cause this doofus had to make his announcement. Don't interrupt my damn schedule I've been playing golf all week and now y’all piss me off cause I gotta work on a Friday.”… pic.twitter.com/ES3rxJTYKe

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) July 24, 2026

Barkley later won the 1993 NBA MVP award with Phoenix, but he remains closely associated with Philadelphia. The 76ers retired his No. 34 jersey in 2001. James will now attempt to accomplish something Barkley could not: bring an NBA championship back to Philadelphia.

The 76ers have not won the title since 1983, one year before Barkley entered the league. Expectations will be enormous after adding James to a roster already featuring Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.

MORE: LeBron James’ 76ers decision puts powerful Mike Gansey, Bob Myers connections in spotlight

LeBron James makes ‘last decision’

James called his move to Philadelphia his “last decision” after seriously considering retirement following his 23rd NBA season.

“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team, and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James announced.

The four-time NBA champion is accepting a massive pay cut to chase his fifth title. He earned nearly $53 million during his final season with the Los Angeles Lakers but agreed to a deal worth only $8 million over two years with Philadelphia. James made it clear that money was not driving his decision.

“I’m not going for money. I’m not going for family,” James wrote. “What am I really playing for at this point? I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind. I still want to compete, to win and to have a chance at the feeling of winning.”

Philadelphia will become the fourth franchise of James’ career, joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Lakers. He will also become the first player in NBA history to appear in a 24th season.

The move gives James another legitimate shot at a championship. It gives the 76ers one of the NBA’s most talented rosters. And, much to Barkley’s annoyance, it gave him a reason to turn the car around and go back to work.