Shaquille O’Neal is among the few within the NBA house that isn’t impressed with LeBron James persevering with to play within the NBA right now.
LeBron James continues to defy Father Time. Regardless of being 40 years outdated, James is enjoying on the highest degree and is among the finest on the planet.
James’ contemporaries are the identical ones that watched him play, taking inspiration from his early years. One Cavaliers star just lately admitted to desirous to be like LeBron James.
There are those that query his greatness. Tony Allen just lately stated that LeBron James wasn’t as laborious to protect as Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony.
And now, one other NBA legend has questioned his greatness. Particularly, his longevity, blaming it on the present nature of the NBA.
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Talking on his podcast, Shaquille O’Neal dismissed LeBron James’ longevity within the NBA. He famous that the shortage of physicality on this period has allowed him to seek out success.
He used Clippers‘ star Ben Simmons as a first-rate instance of this ‘softness’, calling out the previous All-Star for incomes $250 million regardless of not enjoying effectively in any respect.
“Undoubtedly [LeBron’s longevity being a product of lack of physicality]… Again earlier than I performed it was loopy, however after I performed it was loopy. Folks get mad. It’s only a product of what I see.”
“I’ve seen what greatness is. Been there. I don’t see that on a regular basis over right here. You need me to offer these m***********s the identical props you’re giving them? That’ll by no means occur. You may name it hate in order for you.”
“You ain’t f*****g nice and I’m nice. How can I hate on you?… Ben f*****g Simmons, that m**********r must be arrested. $250 million for that s**t? Robbing folks man.”
Shaq goes OFF on the present period, saying LeBron’s longevity is a byproduct of how mushy the league has turn into
He additionally claims that many gamers right now couldn’t compete in previous eras—particularly gamers like Ben Simmons, who he says needs to be arrested for stealing $250 million
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) April 4, 2025
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Whereas Shaq’s bigger gripes with the trendy NBA are comprehensible, if not somewhat bit harsh, his points with LeBron James make little sense.
LeBron James entered the NBA in 2003, when the league was nonetheless very bodily. And proper out of highschool, LeBron was in a position to thrive within the NBA.
In his first 4 years within the NBA, throughout a much more bodily period, James averaged 26.7 factors, 6.7 rebounds, and 6.4 assists.
There is no such thing as a denying that James thrived in an period the place physicality reigned supreme. In actual fact, LeBron James even reached the NBA Finals throughout such a interval. So Shaq’s feedback come throughout as ignorant.
