With the Golden State Warriors‘ win over Portland on Thursday, they rose in the rankings to push the Lakers down. Standing at the ninth position with a 45-35 record, the Dubs will need to win the final two to advance to the eighth or will at least gain home-court advantage in the 9th vs 10th seed clash upon failing one. As of now, they are also tied with the Lakers and Kings in the win-loss department. But what we have to remember is that this was a team that was on the verge of not even making it to the play-in. And it seems like Shaquille O’Neal appreciates the grit and determination Stephen Curry and Co. display.

The NBA on TNT crew were discussing the playoff scenarios on the channel’s recent episode when Shaq said that his pick was the GSW over the Lakers. “If it comes to 9 & 10 between the Lakers and Golden State, it would be in San Francisco… and that favors the Golden State Warriors even though the Lakers have LeBron and AD.” The 4X champion further reasons, “Golden State at home playing against one of the greatest NBA players, I think the crowd will be pumped up, Klay will be pumped up. I will go with the Lakers in that game.” 

This comes in the wake of the ‘Big Diesel’ questioning the table of Adam Lefkoe, Jamal Crawford, and Baron Davis whether LA was scared of the Dubs. The discussion was after the Warriors’ 133-110 win over Houston on April 4.

Both Crawford and Davis said in one voice that the Purple & Gold weren’t scared. But if there is a chance to avoid a clash vs Golden State, they would take it. That wasn’t enough to convince the big man. He assented but not before he said that Steph and his squad are more dangerous than they make out to be.

Charles Barkley, though, is more confident in the Lakers than the above Inside crew. And he made sure his co-hosts knew that especially when O’Neal took a subtle dig at AD.

Nothing can dissuade Chuck from his belief in Anthony Davis

When Shaq said that even with Davis and Bron, the Lakers didn’t stand a chance against the Warriors, Charles Barkley took offense. He believes that Anthony Davis had an All-NBA season this time. Even with the all-around disappointing performances from the team, Chuck was firm. “Anthony Davis is not the reason Lakers suck.” 

Kenny Smith, though, said that his success this season was relative. While there might be truth in that statement, it’s not possible to completely toss aside Barkley’s claims. “The Brow” was a major reason for the Lakers’ first-ever In-Season Tournament victory. He is averaging pretty great numbers – 24.5 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2.4 blocks per game while shooting a brilliant 55.4% from the field.

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Not to mention, he’s been on the court longer this season. And of course, Davis’s defensive prowess is crucial for the team. With him on the court, LA has a defensive rating of 115.4, but in his absence, the number rises to 125.6. Pretty much like how the Warriors look without Draymond Green.

Well, Shaq and Chuck are both NBA legends and they have their reasons for choosing each side. But there can only be one winner.

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