Kendrick Perkins responds to 'idiot' dig by Charles Barkley on Inside the NBA

Charles Barkley and Kendrick Perkins are embroiled in a heated media feud after Barkley called Perkins an "idiot" and "fool" for saying the Los Angeles Lakers "saved" the NBA.

The exchange, which unfolded during Thursday's Inside the NBA, could carry over to ESPN next season.

Barkley criticized ESPN's coverage, arguing that the network focuses too much on the Lakers, Golden State Warriors, and the ongoing LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan debate. He specifically called out Perkins for his comments about the Lakers' recent success after acquiring Luka Doncic.

"I saw a fool, idiot, on TV talking about the Lakers saved the NBA," Barkley said. "He's an idiot and a fool, but you know who he is—Kendrick Perkins. First of all, the Lakers are having a great two weeks. He said, the Lakers saved the NBA season."

Barkley also highlighted the success of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Oklahoma City Thunder, arguing that their performances have been overlooked.

Perkins quickly fired back on social media.

"Hey NBA on TNT, might wanna tell that senior citizen Charles Barkley that I'll be around," Perkins wrote on X. "When he sees an idiot or fool in person, make sure he keeps that same energy."

After the Lakers’ 113-109 overtime win over the Knicks, Perkins doubled down, praising LeBron James and Luka Doncic while mocking Barkley’s criticism.

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith also joined the discussion, addressing Barkley directly:

"Yo Chuck, stop the b.s. with the 'y'all.' Attach a name to it," Smith posted. "Once you come over here, there's gonna be some folks waiting to call YOU a fool."

With ESPN set to take over Inside the NBA next season, Barkley, Perkins, and Smith could soon be media colleagues, potentially escalating the rivalry further.