“This is a freak of nature” – When Charles Barkley said LeBron James is the only player he couldn’t compare to anyone from the ’90s originally appeared on Basketball Network.
Charles Barkley has been associated with the NBA for over four decades now. A first-hand witness to some of the greatest talents, both as a player and an NBA analyst, he had never seen a force like LeBron James.
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To Barkley, LBJ looked like someone assembled in a lab — all power, speed, and precision, but somehow still fluid and instinctive. A prototype built to break molds.
James continues to serve as an example when it comes to the perfect prospect. He fulfilled the entire checklist, be it the physical attributes or talent. Arguably the most hyped No. 1 draft pick of all time, he did not disappoint he actually surpassed most expectations.
Entering the league in 2003, there have been several discussions about James finding a similar level of success had he played in the 90s. Looking at his 22-year-old career, one would find it hard to argue against it. Barkley shared a similar stance on the argument.
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“There’s always been a player who you can compare somebody to – LeBron James is the first player that I’ve never another player that I can compare to. There’s always been 6’8″ guys who were super talented, who were terrific players. They all weigh like 220/230 lbs….Tracy, Scottie Pippen were all guys 6’7″/6’8″ great defenders, great scorers, very athletic, but LeBron outweigh those guys by 30 lbs..This is a freak of nature,” said Barkley about four time champ.
Never thought anyone would come close to MJ
Barkley encountered Jordan a lot of times during his career, including the iconic 1993 Finals. He repeatedly addressed MJ as the greatest ever. However, Chuck started having some second thoughts in 2012, courtesy of what happened in Miami.
At the time (2011-12), James averaged 27.1 points, 7.9 rebounds and 6.2 assists on 53.1 percent shooting from the field. Appearing unstoppable, with superstar teammates like Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh almost being left as spectators.
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Marking the first time when Barkley felt there was someone who could give Jordan a run for his money. Though he never denied that MJ did everything well, James was bigger, stronger and faster.
“As great as I think Kobe Bryant is. I never said that he’s not as good as Michael Jordan…Man, this guy LeBron James. I thought I would never compare somebody to Michael Jordan. But this guy LeBron James, from a basketball, like he does everything well,” said Barkley, who lost to the MJ-led Bulls in the 1993 Finals.
Standing at 6’9″ and weighing 260 lbs, James can operate like a Swiss Army knife, turning into a freight train in the paint, hitting the mid-range, and occasionally making logo threes.
Other big names from the 90s felt the same
Kenny Smith, who won back-to-back championships with the Rockets in the 90s, agreed that James transcended eras. He referred to him as an “Athletic Oscar Robertson” but three inches bigger. Given his playmaking skills, he also saw glimpses of Magic Johnson in him.
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One of the best dunkers in the game history, Dominique Wilkins, admitted having never seen a player like James. He added that with a stronger post game, LeBron would’ve been nearly impossible to stop. And that was years ago.
Now 40, James is still playing at an MVP level. With Luka Doncic by his side in Los Angeles, the basketball world isn’t ready to turn the page just yet. The 2025–26 season might not just be a farewell tour — it could be a reckoning.
This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 8, 2025, where it first appeared.