10
Loading video...
By Matthew Couden
Contributing Writer
0
Share
Newsweek is a Trust Project member
See more of our trusted coverage when you search.Prefer Newsweek on Googleto see more of our trusted coverage when you search.
ESPN basketball analyst Charles Barkley was beside himself over a recent video that aired comparing Los Angeles Lakers star Austin Reaves to NBA legend Larry Bird, and he didn't hold back during "Inside the NBA."
Reaves signed a major four-year, $180 million contract extension this offseason to remain with the Lakers, bringing high expectations as the team moves forward without LeBron James. So far, the Lakers are leading the Western Conference behind him and teammate Luka Doncic.
During ESPN's recent NBA coverage, Barkley ranted about the Reaves-to-Bird comparison from a recent Detroit Pistons game against the Lakers and sent a blunt message to whoever made the video.
Read More on NBA
"I was watching the Detroit Pistons against the Lakers the other night, and some idiot or [expletive] or fool thought it would be appropriate to compare Austin Reaves to Larry Bird," Barkley said of the video he saw, adding, "I love Austin Reaves. Don't compare Austin Reaves to Larry Bird, ever, under no [expletive] circumstances.
More news: Paul George Reveals Why He Flipped Off 76ers Fan in Celtics Win
...
"Do not ever do that again. I don't know who put that [expletive] clip together, but don't ever do that again. And listen, Austin Reaves: 'You know I love you.' Don't put him on the same clip with Larry Bird," he said.
Barkley added that "they're white" but said that it's the only thing Reaves and the NBA legend have in common.
The NBA on ESPN's Kenny Smith suggested Luka Doncic might be a more appropriate comparison to Bird than Reaves, but Barkley reiterated that the video specifically compared Reaves to the Celtics legend.
Reaves, now in his sixth NBA season with the Lakers, is averaging 24.7 points per game, which is 15th in the league. He's also averaging 4.7 assists, 3.3 rebounds, and shooting 51.3% from the field.
According to NBA.com stats, Bird averaged 24.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 6.3 assists per game during his Boston Celtics career, which spanned the 1979-80 through 1991-92 seasons.
Bird's accomplishments are legendary: He's a 12-time NBA All-Star, three-time NBA MVP, and three-time champion, and he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Reaves has yet to earn any major NBA honors, make an All-Star appearance, or win an NBA championship. However, he had a huge game against the Pistons earlier this week, scoring 43 points in a 121-116 victory.
On Wednesday night, he helped the Lakers defeat the struggling Milwaukee Bucks, 123-112. Reaves finished with 18 points, five rebounds, three assists, and three steals in the win.
The Lakers also improved to 11-2 and continue to lead the Western Conference standings by half a game over the San Antonio Spurs.
Barkley played during Bird's era of basketball and has tremendous respect for the former Celtics star. While he recognizes Reaves as a great player, he and many others realize the Lakers star hasn't come close to matching Bird's accomplishments.
More news: Jaylen Brown Draws Attention With Jayson Tatum Snub Before 76ers-Celtics Clash
For more about the Los Angeles Lakers and the NBA, head over to Newsweek Sports.
View 0 Comments
Submit Correction
View Editorial & AI Guidelines