The Lakers and Warriors will tip off a highly anticipated playoff series Tuesday night when the two storied franchises take the floor at Chase Center for Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup.
While many observers are focused on four-time champions LeBron James and Stephen Curry, TNT analyst and Basketball Hall of Famer Charles Barkley is looking toward another star player. Barkley said he believes the Lakers have an edge in the matchup, but he also thinks the performance of Anthony Davis will be the deciding factor if Los Angeles is to be successful in conquering the Warriors.
“Man, my faith in Anthony Davis … I can’t trust that dude,” Barkley said on Inside the NBA on Monday. “Can Anthony Davis dominate for four games? I think he has a huge advantage. … I don’t think they have anybody that can guard him, but he is so inconsistent. When he plays like he’s capable of, he is great. Can they get four great games out of Anthony Davis? That’s what the series is going to come down to.”
Mannix: Scouting Report: An NBA Assistant Coach Weighs in on Lakers vs. Warriors
"I still like the Lakers... I think it's gonna be a great series."
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 2, 2023
Chuck makes his prediction for Warriors-Lakers 👀 pic.twitter.com/JzVkHaDLza
Through six games this postseason, Davis is averaging 20.8 points, 13.7 rebounds, 4.3 blocks and 2.0 assists while shooting 49% from the floor in 36.3 minutes. Against Golden State during the season, the eight-time All-Star averaged 22.8 points, 10.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists in four games.
