Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal Shut Down Charles Barkley’s Suggestion James Harden Is Better Scorer Than Kobe Bryant
Kobe Bryant, James Harden, Lakers, Rockets
Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA on TNT crew was in top form Sunday night following the Houston Rockets’ 104-101 win over the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of their first-round series. Likely MVP James Harden had a stellar performance with 44 points on just 26 shots, including seven 3-pointers.

The performance caused Charles Barkley to reference a comment made earlier this season by Rockets head coach Mike D’Antoni who said Harden was the best one-on-one scorer in NBA history. Barkley proceeded to list Harden, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and George Gervin and asked co-hosts Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith who was the best scorer between them.

While Barkley seemed to be convinced that Harden may be at the top of the list, Smith and O’Neal quickly shut that talk down, especially in regards to Kobe, via NBA on TNT:

Kenny: “That’s a serious question?”
Charles: “That’s a serious question.”
Kenny: “I mean, I’m going to be bias and take Michael out of it. But no, Kobe Bryant is a better scorer.
Charles: “Than James Harden?”
Kenny: “Yeah.”
Shaq: “All day, every day.”
Charles: “I don’t know, man.”
Kenny: “Kobe Bryant is a better scorer.”
Charles: “Listen, I think those guys are better players, because those guys are great defenders.”
Kenny: “Kobe Bryant had 81 points in a game.”
Charles: “James Harden is unguardable.”
Kenny: “Kobe Bryant had 81 points in a game. There’s nobody else that’s come close. It’s Wilt Chamberlain and Kobe.”
Charles: “I’m just telling you, James Harden might be the most unguardable player I’ve ever seen.”
Shaq: “He’s in the top five. Just leave it at that.”

There is no doubt that Harden has earned the right to be included in the discussion as his ball-handling, 3-point shooting, and ability to draw fouls is outstanding. But as Kenny pointed out, Kobe Bryant scored 81 points in a game.

In the end, everything is subjective and these debates are what make the NBA so fun. Watching Shaq, Kenny, and Charles go back and forth on subjects like this on “Inside The NBA” is always worth the watch.

WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THE DISCUSSION? CHECK OUT THE NEW LAKERSNATION FORUM CLUB

You May Also Like

LaVar Ball Calls Lakers Coaches ‘Soft,’ Says They’re ‘Babying’ Lonzo Ball

When the Los Angeles Lakers drafted Lonzo Ball with the second overall pick in the NBA Draft, many fans lamented having to deal with his brash father, LaVar Ball…

Kyle Kuzma Attends University Of Utah Football Game, Recalls Fond Collegiate Memories And Acknowledges Lakers Will Face Challenges

With the calendar having turned to September, the start of a new NBA season is that much closer. Media days and…

Lakers News: Luke Walton ‘Hoping,’ But Not Planning, On Lonzo Ball Playing Friday

The preseason is almost over, but the Los Angeles Lakers still have a problem regarding their starting point guard…

Lakers News: LeBron James Discusses How Ankle Responded In First Game Back From Treatment

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James had treatment done on his ankle during the All-Star break that held him out of Thursday’s return…