When asked what team he thinks is the best in the Western Conference on paper, he told Sports Radio Interviews:
"The Lakers. (Host: Over Oklahoma City?) Yeah. I'm not a big Oklahoma City fan because I don't think they get any easy baskets. Like last year I didn't think they could win and the reason I picked Miami to win the championship, the only way you're going to beat Miami is beat them up inside."
Barkley knows what he's talking about and is always able (and willing) to give a thorough explanation as to why he thinks the way he does. The Lakers have only solidified their status as having the NBA's most dangerous frontcourt after acquiring Dwight Howard and will give any team fits inside, especially on the defensive end when paired with Pau Gasol.