Charles Barkley did not hold back in his criticism of Luka Doncic following the LA Lakers’ 103-96 loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday. LA lost the last three games of the series to go out of the first round of the playoffs. The Timberwolves, who targeted Doncic since Game 1, doubled down on the strategy in Game 5 to book a seat into the next round.
After the game, Barkley had this to say:
“Luka can’t guard a chair”
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Charles Barkley’s comments about the prolific scorer seemed to prove Dallas Mavericks GM Nico Harrison’s point. Harrison traded Doncic to the Lakers because he was convinced defense wins championship. After the Boston Celtics relentlessly went after the Slovneian in last year’s NBA Finals, Harrison swapped the point guard for Davis.
Barkley’s comments continued:
“Luka’s gonna get in better shape, too. It’s been a knock. … You’re an elite player and you’re getting ready to get $300-400 million. You gotta get in shape to earn that money.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves tested Luka Doncic’s defense right off the bat. JJ Redick, who did not start center Jaxson Hayes, tried to hide Doncic on Rudy Gobert. The Frenchman responded by aggressively chasing after rebounds and putback shots. Minnesota did not hesitate to go to him at the post when guarded by Doncic.
Gobert went 3-for-3 inside the paint in the first quarter and had nine points. The LA Lakers’ defense was often compromised to help Doncic cover his man, an issue that lasted throughout the series.
Fans react to Charles Barkley’s comments about Luka Doncic needing to get in shape
Charles Barkley’s comments about Luka Doncic needing to get in shape quickly went viral. After the LA Lakers’ season ended, many wanted to know Barkley’s analysis after the game. Many reacted to Barkley’s point:
Good f**kin luck, Chuck
One fan said:
“Maybe after he has had a rest he might try some defense”
Another fan added:
“what are the chances this is the off-season he slims down because of LeBron?”
@WayneCarringto5 continued:
“The only chance the Lakers have at a title before LeBron James turns age 55 is to add Giannis And Damian Lillard.”
@FTNB_Hoops commented:
“If a mf won’t play defense in the NBA FINALS, you think they’ll play in the 1st Round?”
When the Mavericks reached the NBA Finals last year, Luka Doncic had Daniel Gafford, PJ Washington and Dereck Lively to anchor the paint. The Lakers had no rim protection when they canceled the Mark Williams trade.
The Lakers could retool the roster to help Doncic. Or, as Charles Barkley said, the point guard could get in shape to have an impact on defense.
alt=”Michael Macasero” height=”72″ width=”72″>
Edited by Michael Macasero
