In the NBA world, the narrative was set: the Lakers were such heavy favorites in the first round of the Playoffs that they were expected to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves in just five games. However, that didn’t happen — and Shaquille O’Neal didn’t hesitate to send a strong message to LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

The Los Angeles Lakers finished third in the Western Conference and had the advantage of starting the series at home against the Timberwolves. But they lost that edge in just the first game, and from then on, they were forced to swim upstream.

With the series at 1-3, the Lakers tried to push for a win to stay alive in the first round of the NBA Playoffs, but it became clear that the roster lacked depth. They ended up playing with Maxi Kleber, who hadn’t appeared in a game since January 25, 2025.

After watching the loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, which sealed the 4-1 series defeat, former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal delivered a harsh message to LeBron James and Luka Doncic regarding the Lakers’ early Playoff exit.

Shaquille O’Neal’s message to LeBron and Doncic after the Lakers’ elimination

Shaquille O’Neal, LeBron James, and Luka Doncic. (Photo: Getty Images)

“They have two of the top players on their team, but let’s be real — they’re not good enough. It’s unfortunate, but that’s how it’s going to be for a while. They won’t make any big moves this summer. You have to pay two guys over $50 million each, so get used to this — because when you have players of that caliber, it’s championship or bust,” said O’Neal on ‘NBA on TNT’ when talking about LeBron James, Luka Doncic, and the Lakers.

Who has more NBA titles: LeBron James or Shaquille O’Neal?

Both were crowned champions with the Los Angeles Lakers. LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal each have four NBA titles.
James won two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and one with the Lakers. Shaq, on the other hand, won three championships with the Lakers and one with the Miami Heat.