The Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most renowned franchises in the NBA. Especially given their long history of having some of the best players as well as coaches. This was why the hiring of JJ Redick as the new head coach was met with fierce criticisms from Shaquille O’Neal. TV personality Stephen A. Smith has now reacted to the former’s statements.
While speaking on his podcast recently, Smith called out the Lakers legend for talking down on Redick. In his view, the new head coach is a 15-year NBA veteran and therefore knows the game of basketball in-depth. He further responded to Shaquille O’Neal‘s statement about refusing to play if his name was on the roster.
Yes, you will, stop lying. Because if they were paying you and you know the check was in the mail, you’ll play. Stop that big boy. You know I know better than that.
Stephen A. Smith said
Basketball fans were understandably left in shock after the Lakers chose to appoint Redick as HC over Sam Cassell. Following news of the appointment, Shaquille O’Neal took to his podcast to express his thoughts. At the time, he questioned the rationale behind bringing an inexperienced person as head coach of the storied franchise. According to him, even though Redick has the respect of LeBron James, it won’t be the same with other players.
However, Smith also knocked down that comment on the basis of JJ Redick already well acquainted with the sport. The 56-year-old pointed out that since his ball knowledge is vast, other Lakers stars will respect him too. Nonetheless, with the search for a coach now in the past, the team should be focusing on the new season.
NBA veterans claimed Shaquille O’Neal would destroy modern defenders
Widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of his generation, Shaquille O’Neal was a force to reckon with. He is often ranked among the top 5-10 players in the sport’s history, thanks to his illustrious and dominating career.
His reputation as a formidable player, made former stars Gilbert Arenas and Mike Miller claim no present-day defender can stop him. Both NBA veterans made this known in a discussion on The OGs Show.
If Shaq played today, what would he do? We’re going to throw the ball down to him, punish dudes that are 210… Most dominant big man I’ve ever seen in my life, obviously. We had a defense for him and there was nothing you could do.
Gilbert Arenas said
Gilbert Arenas & Udonis Haslem discuss Shaq’s dominance:
“If Shaq played today, what would he do? We’re going to throw the ball down to him, punish dudes that are 210. Can you average 60 & 34?”
What would Shaq do to the league if he was playing in today’s league?
Via… pic.twitter.com/Gcho7O2T4D
— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) August 13, 2024
According to them, O’Neal might have been unstoppable in today’s game because of his size and height. They might have a point though. Big Shaq was a step above the average NBA player. As a result of that, he easily outplays opponents. Over the course of his career, he also won four championships while playing across three different teams.
