Barkley Likes Lakers’ Chances

Leave it to Charles Barkley, the Rocket man without a championship, to put the Los Angeles Lakers’ drive for an NBA title in perspective.

Houston’s All-Star forward looks at L.A.’s roster with envy, because he says he believes the Lakers have the best chance to win the West and knock off the defending champion Chicago Bulls.

There is a condition attached to Barkley’s prediction, though, one that cuts to the core of the Lakers’ inability to advance past the second round of the NBA playoffs last season.

The Lakers have to make sure they don’t beat themselves.

“If the Lakers play with their brains and not just their talent, I don’t think anybody in the West can beat them,” Barkley said. “If they play smart, nobody can beat them. I like their team against anybody.”

Shaquille O’Neal is the main reason.

“Shaq, other than Michael (Jordan) is the most dominant player in the game,” Barkley said. “I think the thing that’s always hurt him is the free throws.”

The Lakers could add some leadership and experience if they trade for Sacramento guard Mitch Richmond.

“If they get Mitch,” said Barkley, “they’ll be scary.”

Around the league

The New Jersey Nets improved to 3-0 for the first time in franchise history by beating the Golden State Warriors 112-96 Wednesday night behind a balanced scoring attack in East Rutherford, N.J.

At Auburn Hills, Mich., Rik Smits scored 25 points to lead the Indiana Pacers to a 99-87 victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Six days into the season, the NBA’s second woman official, Dee Kantner, worked her first game. Kantner worked the Atlanta Hawks’ 93-88 win over the host Philadelphia 76ers.