Charles Barkley Thinks Bad Boy Pistons Would've Pummeled LeBron James

The latest installment of The Last Dance, ESPN's documentary which fixates on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls' dynasty of the 1990s, has forced a new debate among basketball junkies: could LeBron James have withstood the beating that MJ took when facing the "Bad Boy" Detroit Pistons early on in his career?

In the eyes of "Inside the NBA" co-host Charles Barkley, who never shies away from a scorching take, LeBron wouldn't have stood a chance against Dennis Rodman, Bill Laimbeer, Isiah Thomas and Co.

It seems like Barkley is reaching in an attempt to cause a stir among NBA Twitter. James is one of the more physical players of his era. One could argue that he complains about non-calls far too often, but that's because he's fouled more than any other player in the league. When you really think about it, LeBron should be on the free throw line on every possession that he drives to the hoop.

Not only does The King have three inches on Jordan, but he's also 50 pounds heavier. We understand that James wasn't as chiseled in his rookie year as he is now, but neither was the six-time champion, and he made out just fine after spending an offseason in the weight room.

What evidence is there to suggest that LeBron, who takes care of his body more diligently than any athlete we've ever seen, wouldn't have done the same?

We love the theatrics that Barkley brings to the TNT set, but it's really impossible to take anything he says seriously anymore. Like Jordan, LBJ would have initially struggled against the "Bad Boys," but to say that he wouldn't have been up for the challenge is a joke.