Charles Barkley has not known peace since he walked into Studio J. He was just doing his job today, providing commentary, smack-talking the Lakers, and Ernie “The Godfather” Johnson swooped in with a scorching burn. Was it prompted? Perhaps.

They were picking apart the Lakers-Nuggets game when Barkley said, “What the hell is Austin Reaves doing leaving Michael Porter Jr. open?” Ernie saw his opening and took it. “He’s gambling and losing. You should know all about that.” Call the burn unit for Chuck.

The Lakers lost 106-114 to the Nuggets. Though Austin Reaves managed 15 points, he was the subject of Barkley’s irritation. Chuck was instead roasted by EJ. That gambling jab slapped so hard, not even Shaq and Kenny could make a straight sentence. The screen showed stats from the game but none of the analysts could comment on it.

TNT’s Godfather’s lesser-known nickname is the ‘fastest draw in the west,’ which this demonstrated. Kenny “The Jet” Smith also acknowledged, “That was quick, Ernie.” But the best accompaniment came from the TNT crew who threw in the classic punchline-sealing drumroll for Ernie. Barkley will be reeling from this for a long time.

WATCH THIS STORY | How Michael Jordan Comparisons Hampered Multiple MVPs for LeBron James – Gilbert Arenas Explains

Charles Barkley needs a lot of luck

When he found his bearings, Charles Barkley managed to say, “I’m going to Vegas tomorrow, don’t put that bad juju in the atmosphere, Ernie.” Sure, Barkley is going to need all that luck against Taylor Swift during the Big Game Weekend.

The TNT crew has some Super Bowl traditions. While Shaquille O’Neal hosts Shaq’s Fun House, Chuckster heads to Las Vegas every year to bet on who he thinks will win the title. He has a history of losing that bet every time.

Last year he cursed Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce for making him lose $100,000 in 2023 because he bet on the Philadelphia Eagles. This time the defending champions are facing the San Francisco 49ers. The Chiefs are thriving under the Taylor Swift impact and her budding romance with Kelce.

But the gambling man has not learned his lesson. He bet against the Chiefs twice during the playoffs and lost each time. He’s once again betting against the Chiefs and putting his money on the Niners to win Super Bowl LVIII. At this point the Chuck factor of making his faves lose may be stronger than the Swift effect.

READ MORE: Caught in 4K: Shaquille O’Neal’s Beard Mishap Leads to Bullying on Live TV