Charles Barkley says he'd bed "every dime I got in the world on the Lakers this series."
After overturning 3-1 series deficits in two consecutive series and knocking off a title favorite to reach the Western Conference Finals, the Denver Nuggets want some respect.
Jamal Murray dropped 40 points on the Clippers in Game 7 in the win, and then called out high-profile sports commentators like Stephen A. Smith, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley in his postgame press conference, telling them to recognize the team’s achievements.
Via the Denver Post:
“Y’all better start giving this team some (darn) respect. Because we put in the work. We got a resilient team. We shouldn’t have been down 3-1 but to come back from 3-1 against the Clippers is a big achievement so it’s fun just to change that narrative.”
Barkley, however, isn’t giving the Nuggets a chance to advance to the NBA Finals. Before Game 1, Barkley guaranteed that the Lakers will win the series, saying he’d bet every dollar he has on Los Angeles.
“I’d bet every dime I got in the world on the Lakers this series. Guaranteed! …. Hey, listen. These guys act like we care who wins. Everybody picked the Clippers to beat . I picked them to beat the Jazz, but everybody picked them to lose to the Clippers. And if they want some motivation, I’m guaranteeing the Lakers gon’ kick they ass.”
The Lakers are obviously heavy favorites in the series – but Lakers fans may want to prepare for a heartbreaking upset given Barkley’s abysmal track record with guarantees in these playoffs. Right before tipoff, Barkely predicted the series will go five games, with the Lakers advancing 4-1.
Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals will begin at 9:00 p.m. ET on TNT.
