Charles Barkley slams ‘idiots’ and ‘cowards’ on other networks in shocking live TV rant on TNT about Lakers and Suns

CHARLES Barkley took aim at coaching critics following the exits of the Los Angeles Lakers and Phoenix Suns in the NBA playoffs.

Both LeBron James’ Lakers and Kevin Durant’s Suns fell at the first hurdle thanks to the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves, respectively.

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Their defeats led to suggestions that coaches Darvin Ham and Frank Vogel could be in danger of losing their jobs.

However, Inside The NBA analyst Barkley felt the blame was being shared unfairly.

“A lot of these people on television are cowards because they want the players to like them,” he said.

“They don’t want to do their job, which is to tell the truth.

“And I just want to say this about coaching. Anyone who thinks the reason the Lakers suck is because of Darvin Ham or the reason the Suns suck is because of Frank Vogel, you don’t You know what you’re talking about.”

Barkley went on to label media members at other networks who believe Ham and Vogel should be let go as “punks, idiots and idiots”, telling them to do their “damn job”.

“The Lakers suck and the Suns suck because of the players,” he added.

“It has nothing to do with the coaches.”

Instead, Barkley said the people who put together these “trash crews” need to be let go.

The NBA Hall of Famer’s comments drew mixed responses from many on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“He’s not wrong,” said one fan.

“Said perfectly!! Chuck is the best!” a second responded.

In comparison, a third responded: “I agree with Vogel’s sentiment. The ham is really a problem.”

While another added: “Really? Darvin Ham doesn’t call plays.

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“He can’t maintain consistent rotations. He doesn’t know when to call timeout. And he doesn’t know when to challenge.”

Ham is expected to be released soon, according to Jovan Buha in The NBA’s athletic show.

Vogel, who previously led the Lakers to the NBA championship, had a 49-33 record in his first season with Phoenix.

On Wednesday, Suns owner Mat Ishbia said he has not yet had any discussions about the future of Vogel, general manager James Jones or any player, according to Arizona Sports.

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