Charles Barkley went on a rant on Tuesday when he heard that Lakers fans were ready to get rid of Frank Vogel. The head coach has been with Los Angeles since 2019, and fans are now blaming him for their lackluster season.
“Now you all are crossing the line, because I really like Frank Vogel,” Barkley said on NBA on TNT. He said that Vogel is a “terrific coach.” He also recalled earlier in the season when fans blamed Russell Westbrook for the Lakers' problems. “Russ is learning,” Barkley said in Westbrook's defense.
So who is at fault? According to Chuck, it's Anthony Davis. He isn't “holding up his end of the bargain” performance wise, and should be a top five player in the NBA while in his prime.
Article Continues Below“In my opinion, I blame Anthony Davis…You ain't doing what you're supposed to be doing.”
Barkley said that he knew from the beginning of the season that AD's performance was going to be a testament to the Lakers' season.
“I said on the first night, if the Lakers were going to be any good, it was all going to be on you,” he said. “Anthony Davis, you gotta play better.”
Davis is 28 years old, which is within the prime of most NBA players' careers. As for his teammates, most of the starters are past their peak. LeBron James and Dwight Howard are both 36, Carmelo Anthony is 37. The seemingly star-studded cast in LA is 7th in the Western Conference with an even 12-12 record.
Charles Barkley has a message to Lakers fans:
(Via NBA on TNT)#LakeShow pic.twitter.com/WN4TzZCXLp
— 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐤𝐢𝐧' 𝐍𝐁𝐀 (@_Talkin_NBA) December 8, 2021