Tonight we saw two NBA teams fight to escape elimination. Both the Heat-Knicks and the Lakers-Warriors games were covered on TNT. Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Ernie Johnson, and Kenny Smith were covering the same. While discussing the Lakers-Warriors game, Shaq and Chuck could not stop laughing, and it was all at Anthony Davis‘ expense.
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During the Lakers’ loss, Anthony Davis suffered a blow to his face, which resulted in him exiting from the game. Chris Haynes later reported that AD left the game in a wheelchair on the next timeout.
Anthony Davis was wheeled out in a wheelchair, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/MoVANM5jlO
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 11, 2023
The Inside guys did not take the news about AD leaving in a wheelchair well.
Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley laughed uncontrollably at AD’s expense
Anthony Davis has gone hot and cold all throughout these playoffs. Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have often gone after the Lakers’ star because of the same. While Shaq claimed the difference was like ‘Lakers Shaq vs Celtics Shaq‘, Chuck went on to dismiss AD’s standing as a great of the game.
While discussing the game and talking about the upcoming Game 6, Shaq and Chuck could not contain their laughter. Ever since Ernie talked about AD’s condition and how he was woozy to get off the floor, Shaq and Chuck started laughing.
Chuck and Shaq can’t stop laughing for some reason pic.twitter.com/hOqtHQ93kt
— hoops bot (@hoops_bot) May 11, 2023
We could hear the crumpling of paper, and it was Shaq doing the same. Many online assumed it was Shaq’s way of saying AD is made of paper.
Shaq and Chuck laughing at Anthony Davis being made of paper on national television is insane💀😭 pic.twitter.com/k7Q3CkElkQ
— sol 🇦🇺 (@thaboysol) May 11, 2023
Towards the end of the video, we can see Kenny trying to imitate riding a wheelchair, which made Chuck spiral again. He then tried to defend himself, but ended up doing a better job of imitating a wheelchair.
Either way, it’s clear that the Inside crew isn’t particularly pleased with AD for his display today. Without saying it, they insinuated that AD is too soft, and well, that is kind of insensitive, considering we don’t know the severity of what happened. This isn’t the first time they’ve gone after him for being injured. Earlier this postseason, Shaq asked AD to ‘man up‘ after he apparently suffered a hip injury against the Grizzlies. Chuck, on the other hand, claimed AD’s injury chart is like the board game Operation.
Anthony Davis avoided a concussion
One of the biggest concerns as soon as AD left the game was whether he has suffered a concussion or not. If AD had a concussion, he would be ruled out for the upcoming week, meaning he’d miss Games 6 and 7.
Thankfully, Chris Haynes reported that AD has been cleared and he doesn’t have a concussion.
It appears that Anthony Davis has avoided a concussion, per @ChrisBHaynes pic.twitter.com/MG6d7YROdh
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 11, 2023
That’s great news for the Lakers fans. However, AD seemed a little wobbled up exiting Chase Center. That is something the Lakers personnel will have to keep an eye on, before deciding his status for Game 6.
Anthony Davis leaving Chase Center after being struck in the head in Game 5. Photographer was told to kill the light that was on him. pic.twitter.com/yWUp1IQ5PW
— Sean Cunningham (@SeanCunningham) May 11, 2023
Hopefully, AD’s ready to go for Game 6, and we get another intense battle between the two Californian teams.