LOS ANGELES, CA - MARCH 24: Former Los Angeles Lakers player Shaquille O'Neal speaks after unveiling of his statue at Staples Center March 24, 2017, in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)At this point in the season, it’s clear this iteration of the Lakers isn’t working. Between injuries to stars, an ill-fitting roster and more, Los Angeles has struggled to a 27-33 record.
The Lakers organization seems to be putting this mess on LeBron James, and there have even been rumors of blowing the whole thing up and trading the King. But former Laker and Hall of Fame big man Shaquille O’Neal issued a warning to the organization if they go that route.
“If you trade LeBron, you’ll never win again,” O’Neal said.
Shaq on the future of the Lakers
"If you trade LeBron, you'll never win again." https://t.co/EulBlkK1VK
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) February 28, 2022
“If you put LeBron around the right guys, they are definitely going to win,” Shaq added. “I think whoever put the team together needs to step up and try and fix it.”
Shaq’s comments got NBA Twitter talking.
“They’re not winning LeBron either,” one user said. “Shaq brains be cooked man. Time to get this man off TV.”
They’re not winning Lebron either. Shaq brains be cooked man. Time to get this man off tv https://t.co/Gh7Prr06fW
— Real Hoops Only (@BrandonKingram) March 1, 2022
“Shaq stating the most obvious thing about this situation, but it’s sad that he really did have to say it,” another tweeted.
Shaq stating the most obvious thing about this situation, but it’s sad that he really did have to say it https://t.co/Hv47n0r5Eh
— Charles 🟣 (@CarlosBerkley) March 1, 2022
“I mean they ain’t winning now.”
I mean they ain’t winning now https://t.co/JzVfDVvnyd pic.twitter.com/xrezh1fbPK
— Hater Mcgee (@bigeisamazing) March 1, 2022
“They said Kobe will never win another championship without Shaq and won 2 more,” replied the “Raining3s” podcast.
They said Kobe will never win another championship without Shaq and won 2 more. https://t.co/Jq0dA5EgmR
— Raining3s Hoops (@raining3sallday) March 1, 2022
“Facts. You replace lebron when he retires and that’s the only time,” a fan commented. “[People] act like it’s easy to win 2 chips in 3 seasons.”
Facts. You replace lebron when he retires and that’s the only time. Ppl act like it’s easy to win 2 chips in 3 seasons. https://t.co/eTPUhE8soZ
— Gwynn Oak Baby (@InkandAmmo) February 28, 2022
“Finally somebody with common sense,” another said of O’Neal’s statement.
Finally somebody with common sense https://t.co/CVap0MKV6Z
— ʕ•ᴥ•ʔ ᑕᕼᖇIᔕ ●’◡’●)ﾉ (@AznFresh09_) February 28, 2022
The Lakers can attempt to begin their turnaround Tuesday night against Luka Doncic and the Mavericks.
