Shaquille O’Neal isn’t one to mince words—especially when it comes to basketball legacies and the high-pressure world of the Los Angeles Lakers. In a candid conversation, the NBA Hall of Famer shared his unfiltered thoughts on LeBron James’ legacy, the 2020 NBA championship, and the constant demands from Lakers fans.
Shaquille O’Neal says LeBron’s 2020 title counts as much as any other
When asked about the legitimacy of LeBron James’ 2020 NBA championship with the Lakers—a title won in the Orlando bubble during the pandemic—Shaq didn’t hesitate to shut down critics.
“I’m not the one you should ask about that,” Shaquille O’Neal started. “But he won a championship with the Lakers, and a lot of people try to discredit it. If that one doesn’t count, then you can’t count Mr. [Tim] Duncan’s bubble championship either. That’s right. I said it! If we’re counting Tim Duncan’s lockout-year championship, then you have to count LeBron’s too.” (H/t Scoop B)
LeBron James and Shaq (Image via Getty).
Shaq’s point draws a clear parallel to the 1999 title won by Tim Duncan and the San Antonio Spurs, a season heavily impacted by a lockout. Despite the shortened season, that championship has never faced serious discredit. In Shaq’s eyes, LeBron’s ring should be treated the same way—legitimate and well-earned.
Should LeBron James get a statue at Crypto.com Arena?
Moving beyond championships, the discussion turned toward legacy—specifically whether LeBron James deserves a statue outside Crypto.com Arena. The venue already honors Lakers greats like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. According to Shaq, LeBron has earned his place among them.
“LeBron broke the record, and he did it as a Laker. Would I oppose him having a statue in Los Angeles? No, I wouldn’t,” Shaq said. “If they want to give him a statue, I’d be fine with that. He’s a great player, with great ability, and he did what he was supposed to do as a Laker.”(H/t Scoop B)
Shaquille O’Neal’s remarks make it clear that he respects what LeBron has accomplished during his time in L.A., especially becoming the NBA’s all-time leading scorer while wearing a Lakers jersey.
Shaq calls Los Angeles Lakers fans “greedy” about winning
But while he supports LeBron’s legacy, Shaq didn’t hold back when it came to calling out Lakers fans for their high expectations.
“The thing about the Lakers is, their fans are real greedy. Okay, you got us this bubble championship, but when are you going to get us another? It’s always that,” he added.
This comment underscores the constant pressure placed on stars who wear the purple and gold. Winning one championship isn’t always enough in L.A.—there’s always a demand for more. Shaq, who won three titles with the Lakers, knows firsthand how relentless that pressure can be.
Shaquille O’Neal adds his voice to the legacy conversation
With his signature mix of honesty and humor, Shaquille O’Neal has once again inserted himself into a heated basketball debate—this time about LeBron James’ place in NBA history and what it means to be a Laker. Whether or not LeBron can deliver another title for Los Angeles remains to be seen, but if Shaq had his way, the King would keep pushing forward with the goal of silencing every doubter.
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In the end, Shaq’s take is simple: a championship is a championship, and LeBron James’ legacy—bubble title and all—deserves respect.
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