As another night of enthralling NBA games ended, there was a similar result to be seen. No one expected it at the start of the season, but the Los Angeles Lakers lost again. This time the Mavericks were at the other end of it. But it wasn’t that easy to win against LeBron James and co. this time. The LA side has been putting up tough performances of late. However, Charles Barkley couldn’t care less, as he demolished the Lakers side while watching a clip of Luka Doncic dominating them in yesterday’s nail-biting double overtime encounter.
The Inside the NBA analyst didn’t hold his words back while he pointed out the blatant mistakes in the LA side’s defense. His comments might have bothered co-host and Lakers faithful Shaquille O’Neal. But the Big Diesel didn’t have a lot of counters to contest Barkley’s claims.
Charles Barkley comments on LeBron James and company’s poor showing
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Although a foul is given to protect the victims in the game, defensive teams can take advantage of it. Charles Barkley pointed out the same in his post-game analysis after yesterday’s game. In the recent Inside the NBA broadcast, The 76ers legend decided to roast the Lakers for their shortcomings, while being extremely hilarious at the same time.
“And this is another example of these dumba** NBA players,” shouted Barkley, as a Lakers player failed to foul Luka during a play, which ended in Doncic draining a dagger three. He further added, “Foul! Foul! Foul! Too late now. We have this argument every night. I fouled 100% of the time not 90, not 60, 100% of the time.“
Barkley wanted to convey that there is a huge lack of intensity among NBA players today, especially while defending against opponents. Though one could argue that rules from Barkley’s playing days have changed a lot. The fouls are much softer and players are more cautious in their game.
Fouls were very controversial in this game itself and a lot of people complained about the officiating during and after the game. All of that didn’t stop Luka Doncic from dropping an instrumental performance for his team.?
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However, Barkley had some very sharp criticism for the LA side right off the bat, which compelled Shaq to say that he better maintain the same energy against the Phoenix Suns as well.
Luka Doncic’s dominating performances throughout the 2022-23 season
The Slovenian superstar has been a force and the Mavericks’ main anchor throughout the season. The 23-year-old dropped 35 points on Thursday against the Lakers.
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A score that is well in line with his season’s average. The NBA superstar and MVP contender is averaging 34.3 PPG for the season. His last performance against the Los Angeles Clippers was his ninth 40+ point game for the 2022-23 season.