LeBron James' decision to play for the Los Angeles Lakers sent massive shockwaves around the league, making an already-loaded Western Conference even scarier. While those placing their money on the Lakers have significantly increased, Charles Barkley — who's well-known for his gambling appetite — isn't jumping on the bandwagon — at least, not yet.
Speaking on The Dan Patrick Show, Barkley appears to not need any glasses to see past the brighter lights of Hollywood.
“They’re No. 5 seed, maybe six in the West. I don’t think they’re better than Oklahoma City, I don’t think they’re better than the Denver Nuggets.
“Minnesota’s better than the Lakers. As great as LeBron is — I see them as the 4, 5, 6 seed.”
“The West is unbelievable. [LeBron] got 20 easy wins the last few years. He won’t get those easy 20 wins in the Western Conference.”
For one, the West — and the entire NBA for that matter — is still owned by the Golden State Warriors who are aiming for a three-peat. Not far behind them are the Houston Rockets, granted that they retain restricted free agent Clint Capela.
Aside from LeBron James, the Lakers' other acquisitions have been far from the photoshop fantasies that have engulfed the team's fans early this summer. Rajon Rondo could really work out well for Los Angeles, but the same can't be said confidently about Lance Stephenson, JaVale McGee, and most recently Michael Beasley, who all have certain reputations that precede them.
James, however, is in for the long haul with the Lakers. Maybe he'll change Barkley's mind in the future.
Follow Us
Subscribe