“If the Playoffs Started Today, the Lakers Wouldn’t Even be in the Play-In”: Charles Barkley Shuns Bandwagon Accusations

By what it seems, the LA Lakers are turning the tide, with Anthony Davis having a historic run in the last 9-games. Despite a horrendous start to the season, losing the first 5-consecutive games, newly hired coach Darvin Ham has worked his way through.

The Lakers are 8-2 in the last 10- games, with AD filling up the stat sheet with never before seen numbers. The most recent instance was the former champion’s 55-point double-double against the Wizards, putting up multiple defenders on the poster.

If the Lakers continue this run, they may soon be a legitimate contender come playoff time. However, this isn’t something that Hall of Famer and TNT analyst Charles Barkley is buying, citing how the Jeanie Buss-owned team ranked 13th in the NBA standings.

Also read: “Anthony Davis leads the NBA MVP race!”: Magic Johnson Heaps a Mountain of Praise After Lakers Superstar’s Explosion

The recent episode of Inside the NBA had Barkley shut down co-panelists Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith, who accused him of joining the Lakers bandwagon.

Charles Barkley explains why he isn’t sold on the Lakers yet.

Barkley has been very vocal about his criticism of the Lakers, stemming from the Russell Westbrook trade in 2021. The Suns MVP never hesitates to mock the purple and gold, whether it be calling Davis ‘street clothes’ or calling them a bunch of ‘old geezers.’

Surprisingly, despite the Lakers looking good off-late, Chuck is in no mood to place his bets on them. While the eleven-time All-Star was all praise for Davis, he was quick to point out how the LA team wouldn’t even make the play-in, if the playoffs began today, citing their record in the west.

Well, it’s tough to argue Barkley’s points, given the variables associated, when it comes to the Lakers making the playoffs.

Can the LA Lakers make it to the postseason?

Two games under +500, the Lakers have been looking like a top-tier team off-late, courtesy of The Brow. Nonetheless, it may be a little early to consider them as playoff contenders, given the injury-prone nature of Davis, and King James in his 20th season.

Nevertheless, the Lakers roster has all the ammunition it takes to make the playoffs, provided health and team chemistry remains by their side.

Also read: “Lakers Winning is More Than Just Anthony Davis”: JJ Redick Brings Insight to How LeBron James and Co Has Grown as a Team