Barkley expressed disappointment in LeBron, stating, “He’s too big to be that type of bully. To bully Stephen A and to bully Brian Windhorst, who is just trying to do his job, is not right.” While acknowledging his respect for LeBron, Barkley stated that this behavior has been a turnoff for him. He criticized Smith’s response, calling it “lame and weak,” particularly in light of the fact that Smith is generally regarded as a good person.