5x NBA Champion Shuns “Embarrassing” Gesture Amid the Lakers’ First-Time Accolade Celebration

Following the Los Angeles Lakers‘ IST win, netizens and analysts had one question in mind. Will the Lakers put up the IST championship banner? Fans finally have an answer now. Celebrations ensued as the team proudly hung the coveted title banner ahead of last night’s game against the New York Knicks. However, some were not happy with that decision, especially Charles Barkley. The Chuckster now has support as 5x champion Ron Harper, who won two titles with the Lakers no less, slammed the franchise’s decision to raise the banner.

The black banner proudly showcased the Lakers logo and their victory. A clip from inside the arena was shared by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. Harper immediately hit back with his opinion, writing, “Embarrassing to all of those NBA finals championships banners… WOW.”

The 59-year-old has been part of multiple banner-raising ceremonies in the past. Harper was a big role player on the Lakers’ 2001 and 2002 championship-winning teams. Additionally, he also won 3 titles alongside Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. It is understandable where the criticism is coming from, but many believe it to be harsh.

While the tournament had its naysayers initially, most of the criticism was soon put to rest. The players and coaches gave their all to win the prize money and the trophy. However, there are some who still don’t appreciate certain aspects of the new tournament. Philadelphia 76ers legend Sir Charles also had a similar opinion about the Lakers’ victory.

WATCH THIS STORY: “He Passed That Sunday”: Shaquille O’Neal’s 66YO Buddy Reminisces the “Surreal” Moment When the World Lost NBA Legend, Kobe Bryant

Charles Barkley’s warning to the LA Lakers 

Barkley publicly declared that he would roast the Lakers on live TV if they hung the banner. Furthermore, he also criticized the team for celebrating their victory with champagne.

He said, “You don’t do champagne for the In-Season Tournament…if they put that In-Season Tournament banner up, I’m going to roast them on television.” After all the debate and speculations, the Lakers have indeed put up the banner certainly inviting more opinion and chatter on the situation. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section below.

READ MORE: “NBA Analyst Thrashes LeBron James’ Agent Rich Paul’s Comments on Pressure of ‘Following’ Michael Jordan: “He Had to Follow Magic (Johnson)”