Charles Barkley and Kendrick Perkins are in a war of words after Barkley was critical of Perkins and ESPN for their coverage of the NBA.

During Thursday’s “Inside the NBA,” the former Auburn star took issue with ESPN’s coverage of the Los Angeles Lakers, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic. Specifically, he had an issue with Perkins.

“I saw a fool idiot on TV talking about the Lakers saved the NBA. Yeah, he’s an idiot and a fool,” Barkley said of Perkins.

“First of all the Lakers are having a great two weeks. He said the Lakers saved the NBA season. That’s all them fools on the other network—which we going to be working for next year— that’s all they talk about. Let me tell ya’ll something. First of all, I want all the smoke. I don’t whistle when I walk by the grave yard or anything like that. Hey man, the Lakers are doing great. Got a long way to go, but the reason… the season’s been going great for the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Oklahoma City Thunder.”

Perkins didn’t take long to respond, via X.

“Hey ‘NBA on TNT,’ might wanna tell that senior citizen Charles Barkley that I’ll be around,” Perkins posted. “When he see an idiot or fool in person, make sure he keep that same energy. He can come playing with me if he want to and imma Address his ass like the numbers on a house. Straight from the 409 homeboy and we bar none and fade all.”

Mark Heim is a reporter for The Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter @Mark_Heim. He can be heard on “The Opening Kickoff” on WNSP-FM 105.5 FM in Mobile or on the free Sound of Mobile App from 6 to 9 a.m. daily.