The feud between Shaquille O’Neal and Rudy Gobert has taken a new twist with the latest one happening during a recent appearance on The OGs podcast. On the show, Big Shaq referenced a specific incident that occurred during the Paris Olympic Games. It was when Gobert awkwardly pulled himself under Joel Embiid’s legs during a dead-ball situation, which O’Neal found embarrassing.
The embarrassing moment according to Shaquille O’Neal, occurred during the gold medal match between Team USA’s gold medal victory game over hosts, France. Gobert’s performance in that game, where he finished with just two points in 12 minutes, further added to Shaq’s disdain.
So, all the stuff I’m saying about Rudy [Gobert], if you don’t think I’m right look at this play right here. Why would somebody fall and you grab their knees and put your head between their knees and put your head between their legs? What the f**k was that?
Shaquille O’Neal on the OGs Show
O’Neal has not been shy or afraid when it comes to his views and, thus, has been a harsh critic of Rudy Gobert. This is especially considering Gobert’s lucrative $217 million contract. Moreover, sometimes Gobert has had the occasional clapbacks, but mostly he tends to remain quiet in response to Shaq’s persistent criticisms.
Last season, he averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks, which earned him some cred from fans. But to earn Shaq’s respect, he will need to improve his overall play and with teammates like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, he has an opportunity to elevate his game and help the Minnesota Timberwolves make a deeper playoff run.
Shaquille O’Neal reflects on his historic move to the Lakers
Shaquille O’Neal was already a household name before he joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He was one of the top young big men in the NBA. After being drafted number one pick by the Orlando Magic in 1992, he quickly rose to prominence and earned All-Star selections in each of his four seasons with the team.
However, despite his success and star power, the Magic were hesitant to offer him a $100 million contract. This made the Lakers swoop in as they saw his value differently and signed him to a $121 million deal. At the time, Shaq stated that money wasn’t the main motivation for the move, rather he simply wanted to focus on basketball.
It’s about maximizing your potential. … LA was the hot spot then so we’re in the the ’96 Olympics and my agent calls me… He said ‘We can’t get you at $150 but I think you’re going to be happy with this.’ So I opened up the envelope, I had never seen so many zeros in my life.
Shaquille O’Neal on the OGs Show
The Magics’ loss was the Lakers gain. The move paid off for the Purple and Gold, as O’Neal, alongside Kobe Bryant, led the team to three consecutive NBA championships, earning him three NBA Finals MVP awards. As a dominant center during his time, fans believe he has the bragging rights to drag Gobert for his perceived shortcomings.
