Charles Barkley recently shared his perspective on the NBA In-Season Tournament's success, emphasizing that small-market teams like the Indiana Pacers would be justified in celebrating with parades if they clinched the trophy. However, Barkley was clear that he doesn't expect traditional powerhouse teams like the LA Lakers to make a big deal out of winning the inaugural tournament.
"Dan, are you serious right now? If the Pacers do an In-Season parade, I am going to Indie for that. It was a resounding success... but we are not raising banners, not doing parades," said Barkley on the Dan Patrick Show. He expressed relief that he wasn't watching the Lakers celebrate with champagne, emphasizing that such festivities should be reserved for winning championships.
Barkley advised the Lakers, a team synonymous with NBA greatness, against hanging the NBA In-Season Tournament banner, stating unequivocally that if they did, he would roast them on live TV. According to Barkley, for teams like the Lakers and Celtics, only championships matter, and celebrating lesser accomplishments could dilute their status as the "gold standard" in the league.
"The Lakers better not (hang the IST banner). If they do that, I am going to roast their a** on TV," Barkley warned.
While previous reports suggested that the Lakers had no plans to raise the IST banner, recent developments indicate a change in their stance. After LeBron James was named the MVP and Anthony Davis was selected for the All-Tournament team, the Lakers now intend to raise the banner on December 18th, a decision that Barkley finds questionable given the team's historic championship pedigree.
