Charles Barkley guarantees Knicks will make playoffs

I hear a lot of the Golden State Warriors are feeling disrespected because a lot of people feel that their championship was an "if" championship.

Shortly after going out on a limb, predicting that the New York Knicks will make the playoffs this year, Charles Barkley had a few interesting thoughts on the outlook for the Los Angeles Lakers upcoming season.

Barkley is claiming the LA Sparks are a better team than the LA Lakers. This is bound to make a few Lakers fans upset or even more dismissive of Barkley than they already are.

Magic executives have said they expect their franchise to be in the mix for a playoff spot this season, but most national NBA analysts - except for TNT and NBA TV analyst Reggie Miller - are skeptical that Orlando can contend for a postseason berth. "Not just winning, but greatness".

The Lakers should be better this year than the last. "Oklahoma City won't be battling for the No. 8 seed if Kevin Durant's healthy".

The Pelicans enter the season with significant injury concerns.

"Scott Skiles is a feisty individual", O'Neal said.

"The good thing about Alvin Gentry is he's gonna keep everybody involved", O'Neal said.

"LeBron (James) is the best player, but obviously at a few point Father Time takes over", Barkley said.

"But when they go past their sixth man, I don't think they've had enough guys who've proven themselves in the National Basketball Association yet".

Last season, he averaged 12.1 points per game in 25 appearances with the Sixers before being traded to Oklahoma City, where he saw limited minutes in 30 games.

Barkley's amusing candor is definitely among the reasons to get excited for the NBA's imminent tip-off.

New Orleans will open the season with Evans, Cole and forward Quincy Pondexter on the inactive list.