NBA Hall of Famer, and current NBA on TNT analyst, Charles Barkley sat down for an interview today on ESPN Radio's Golic & Wingo Show, and he went in on LaVar Ball.
Barkley, who has been critical of the Big Baller in the past, didn't pull any punches when speaking about LaVar, specifically his decision to pull his younger sons LiAngelo and LaMelo out of school so they can play professionally in Lithuania.
The Round Mound of Rebound told Golic & Wingo that he really feels bad for the Ball brothers (h/t Cork Gaines of Business Insider).
"I just feel sadness that the media—CNN, ESPN—has given this guy a platform," he noted. "He represents everything that is bad about sports. It's all about him. I just feel bad for those kids."
"I wish there was a place farther away from America they could send him," Barkley said. "I don't know where Lithuania is, but if there is another place farther away, I would love it."
Additionally, Barkley said he's tired of hearing that LaVar is a good father just because he "exploits his kids."
"Everybody talking about how he might be a good father, this and that. No he's not. He's just exploiting his kids. ... He's all about Big Baller Brand. He has no foreseeable talent. He's trying to make money off his kids, and I just feel sadness for those kids because they're going to do whatever he tells them to do. I just don't like the guy at all, plain and simple. And don't tell me he's a good father. Just because you exploit your kids, trying to make money because you have no talent, that does not make you a good father."
While 20-year old Lonzo continues to grow as the Lakers starting point guard, his younger brothers LiAngelo and LaMelo will head overseas to play for Lithuanian club Prienu Vytautas, a team that duo signed one-year contracts with just days ago.
