Champions Los Angeles Lakers are in a free fall in the regular season right now, with seven losses in their last nine games. With superstars LeBron James and Anthony Davis missing a significant number of games due to injuries, the Lakers regular season has gone to tatters.

They are now tied with the Blazers, with a record of 37 wins and 29 losses. Considering their upcoming games, the Lake show might drop further down in the Western Conference standings and might have to participate in the play-in tournament.

Charles Barkley chooses Denver Nuggets over champions Los Angeles Lakers

With the Lakers slipping down in the regular season standings, there have been serious concerns whether the champions will be able to repeat or not. Moreover, injuries have continued to pile upon the Purple and Gold as LeBron James has re-injured himself. With multiple players struggling to find form and a rather depleted squad available, the Lakers seem to be in some serious trouble.

Former MVP and analyst Charles Barkley echoed the sentiment. In an appearance at NBA on TNT, Barkley had a rather bold take involving the champions. “Listen, I am gonna take Denver if the season ends today. I’m going to take the Nuggets over the Lakers.”

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Chuck also spoke about how the top teams, like the Jazz and the Suns, aren’t being considered as contenders for the title. “I mean, as much as I love what they’re doing in Utah, and I love what my Suns are doing.

“If let’s just let’s just take the season’s playoffs right now, let’s just let’s just make Golden State. Portland, they would not be like, we can’t beat Utah. We can’t beat Phoenix. I mean, so that’s why I said this year, this is going to be the craziest playoffs ever.”

The Lakers find themselves in a precarious position right now. The second half of the season has been tumultuous for the defending champions. They have been ravaged with injuries to some key players, and the team is underperforming.

While the champions might be worried about the play-in tournament, as long as AD and Bron are ready to go, it won’t be a big issue. But the biggest question is whether the Lakers will have a healthy squad available before the post-season.

If Dennis Schroder and LeBron James return in time, the champions have a real chance to repeat this season. Who do you think will win the NBA championship this season? Let us know in the comment section down below.