LeBron James, Shaq’s message: “He wants a championship-caliber team”
Shaquille O’Neal defended LeBron James against recent criticism, saying the Lakers star isn’t looking for shortcuts – he simply wants to play for a team with a legitimate chance to win his fifth NBA championship
Even NBA Commissioner Adam Silver has publicly urged LeBron James to make his decision soon so the league can finally finalize next season’s schedule. Stepping in to defend the King, however, was Shaquille O’Neal.
The Hall of Fame big man, speaking with Claudette Montana of Sports Illustrated, firmly rejected the idea that the 41-year-old is being opportunistic or desperately chasing another title.
The former Lakers and Heat center said he completely understands why his former teammate is taking his time, viewing the decision through the lens of LeBron’s place in NBA history.
He’s at the end of his career, and I’m sure he’s going to choose wisely. He wants to go somewhere he has a real chance to win. A lot of people call it ring-chasing, but it’s not. It’s about defining your legacy. If you can go somewhere else and win another ring, then good for him
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq then doubled down, putting himself in LeBron’s shoes even more emphatically.
I won four championships, but in my mind I feel like I should have won seven, and that still bothers me today. So I have nothing but respect for LeBron. If he finds the right team to make another run, I’m all for it. At this point, as far as his legacy goes, we’re talking about extra credit
Shaquille O’Neal
Shaq’s stance stands in direct contrast to that of his longtime friend and fellow analyst Charles Barkley, who recently accused James of trying to “cheat” by taking a shortcut to another championship with either the Philadelphia 76ers or the Golden State Warriors, arguing instead that a sentimental return to the Cleveland Cavaliers would be the right move. O’Neal, however, believes any destination LeBron chooses is completely justified.
According to the latest reports from ESPN insider Shams Charania, the race has now narrowed to a small group of teams: the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Philadelphia 76ers, and Golden State Warriors.
And while the allure of returning to the Western Conference remains, reports from ESPN insider Dave McMenamin suggest that an Eastern Conference franchise is currently the favorite, with a final decision expected sooner rather than later.