In the NBA offseason, there’s a superstar like Giannis Antetokounmpo who may be looking to change teams, and amid the countless rumors about his future, a message from Shaquille O’Neal appeared that surprised everyone.
He betrayed the Los Angeles Lakers! O’Neal left an unforgettable legacy with the California team, winning three consecutive championships (2000, 2001, and 2002), three Finals MVP awards, and averaging 27 points per game over eight seasons.
Such was Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy with the Lakers that he has a statue outside the Crypto.com Arena. However, now as an NBA analyst, Shaq doesn’t hesitate to share his opinions — even if they’re not in the best interest of the Los Angeles team.
After Shams Charania, an ESPN journalist, reported that Giannis Antetokounmpo is considering changing teams for the first time, Howard Beck from The Ringer noted that the Milwaukee Bucks star would be interested in going to “one of the Los Angeles teams, one of the New York teams, or maybe Miami.” So, what does O’Neal think about that?
Shaquille O’Neal’s advice for Antetokounmpo: Don’t go to the Lakers
Shaquille O’Neal and Giannis Antetokounmpo. (Photo: Getty Images)
“I would tell him that a bigger market probably doesn’t matter. Social media is the market now. Giannis has made a name for himself on social media. If you go to Los Angeles, 50% of your contract goes to taxes, plus more pressure and more stress. Since he’s in control, he should step up and say: ‘I want to see all the free agents, I want their phone numbers, and I want to talk to them.’ He should attract people to him. When I was on the rise, a small market was too small; I probably had to go to a big market. But now, all markets are the same. Nobody cares what city you’re in — we’re not in the ’90s anymore,” was Shaquille O’Neal’s message to Antetokounmpo, published on Yahoo Sports, advising him not to go play with LeBron James.
The players the Lakers would need to trade to get Giannis Antetokounmpo
In order to pull off a blockbuster trade and bring together Giannis Antetokounmpo, Luka Dončić, and LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers would need to put together an offer including Austin Reaves, Rui Hachimura, Maxi Kleber, Gabe Vincent, and Dalton Knecht, plus their 2031 first-round NBA Draft pick.
