Charles Barkley is well aware that LeBron James has some work to do this summer - including filming Space Jam 2 and "picking a coach and general manager" - but he's still hoping that LBJ will find some time to join the NBA on TNT's playoff coverage.
During Sunday night's slate of games, Barkley begged James to put everything else on pause to join himself, Kenny, Shaq and Ernie in studio.
"I've said this before, America, and this is the last time," Barkley said with a smile during a segment Sunday night. "LeBron James, come into the studio. You ain't got nothing to do. The playoffs started yesterday. You've got free time. I know you've got to pick a coach and a general manager. Just put that on the back burner. I'm speaking on behalf — I'm begging you on behalf of (the rest of the crew) Ernie (Johnson), Kenny (Smith) and Shaq."
"LeBron, how about this," Barkley continued. "You don't even have to stay. You can leave at halftime of the second game. ... We can help you pick out a coach. Listen, Shaq knows, because he would enjoy to coach. And Kenny's been interviewing for coaching jobs the last couple of years. So come on in, LeBron. Please."
This isn't the first time that Sir Charles has tossed out the idea of LeBron joining the TNT crew. Last month, once it became clear that LeBron wouldn't be involved in the playoffs for the first time since 2004-05, Barkley joked that the four-time MVP should join Inside The NBA because he'll "have nothing better to do."
LeBron may have some down time at the moment but he'll soon begin filming the Space Jam sequel, which involves finding a cast of NBA stars to take part in the movie. Not to mention, he'll need to recruit some free agents to join him on the Los Angeles Lakers.
But hey, we wouldn't be shocked if he makes an appearance in Studio J alongside Chuck, Kenny, Shaq and Ernie.