“Would I oppose him?”: Fans react as Shaquille O’Neal weighs in on LeBron James’ legacy amid Los Angeles Lakers' franchise-defining decision
TIMESOFINDIA.COM | Mar 31, 2025, 10.38 AM IST
LeBron James has achieved nearly every accolade possible in his 22 seasons in the NBA. As a four-time champion, four-time Finals MVP, and the league’s all-time leading scorer, his resume speaks for itself. However, one debate remains: Does LeBron deserve a statue outside Crypto.com Arena alongside Lakers legends like Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant? Shaquille O’Neal gave his verdict on the matter.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal gave his verdict on Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James decision
Much of LeBron James’ career success occurred before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, but his impact on the franchise has been undeniable. In his seven seasons in LA, he has been an All-Star every year, led the team to a championship in 2020, and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer— all while still competing at an elite level at the age of 40.
Lakers icon Shaquille O’Neal, who has his own statue outside the arena, recently addressed this debate. In an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, O’Neal stated, “LeBron broke the record, and he did it as a Laker. Would I oppose him having a statue in Los Angeles? No, I wouldn’t… But he won a championship with the Lakers, and a lot of people try to discredit it. If that one doesn’t count, then you can’t count Mr. Duncan’s bubble championship either. That’s right. I said it! If we’re counting Tim Duncan’s lockout-year championship, then you have to count LeBron’s too.”
The comparison to Tim Duncan’s 1999 title with the San Antonio Spurs—won in a lockout-shortened season—has been a long-standing point of contention. Some critics have attempted to diminish the legitimacy of James’ 2020 championship because it was won in the Orlando bubble. However, Shaq made it clear that a championship is a championship.
Beyond defending LeBron’s title, O’Neal acknowledged the high expectations placed on any Laker great. “But the thing about the Lakers is, their fans are real greedy. Okay, you got us this bubble championship, but when are you going to get us another? It’s always that.” LeBron has remained one of the NBA’s top players, even as he nears retirement. His ability to compete at an elite level while leading the team keeps the Lakers in title contention year after year.
The Lakers have honored only a select few with statues— Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and broadcaster Chick Hearn. “He’s a great player, with great ability, and he did what he was supposed to do as a Laker,” Shaq said.
Also Read: “This is driving me crazy”: Dillon Brooks’ ejection gets fiery response from Stephen A. Smith after heated clash with Kevin Durant
NBA fans were quick to respond to Shaq's reaction.
"How are they even comparable @SHAQ? The Bubble (gum) Championship isn’t looked at as legit bc we’ve always been told it’s the travel, the home court, etc that makes the grind of winning a title such a challenge. When an “Away Game” means jumping on a 10 min trolley ride from Epcot to Magic Kingdom, and in front of none of the opposing teams fans, how is it the same as Tim D, who’s team had to deal w both?" one fan wrote.
Another pointed that the Hall of Famer went soft.
One fan came in support of LeBron.
Another hailed the Lakers veteran.
LeBron has been in his A-game, but the Lakers veteran is nearing the end of his career. He has created NBA history by sharing the same team court with his son Bronny James, who is also making a steady rise in the basketball scene with his performances on the G-league and in the Lakers.
NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal gave his verdict on Los Angeles Lakers’ LeBron James decision
Much of LeBron James’ career success occurred before joining the Los Angeles Lakers in 2018, but his impact on the franchise has been undeniable. In his seven seasons in LA, he has been an All-Star every year, led the team to a championship in 2020, and became the NBA’s all-time leading scorer— all while still competing at an elite level at the age of 40.
Lakers icon Shaquille O’Neal, who has his own statue outside the arena, recently addressed this debate. In an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, O’Neal stated, “LeBron broke the record, and he did it as a Laker. Would I oppose him having a statue in Los Angeles? No, I wouldn’t… But he won a championship with the Lakers, and a lot of people try to discredit it. If that one doesn’t count, then you can’t count Mr. Duncan’s bubble championship either. That’s right. I said it! If we’re counting Tim Duncan’s lockout-year championship, then you have to count LeBron’s too.”
The comparison to Tim Duncan’s 1999 title with the San Antonio Spurs—won in a lockout-shortened season—has been a long-standing point of contention. Some critics have attempted to diminish the legitimacy of James’ 2020 championship because it was won in the Orlando bubble. However, Shaq made it clear that a championship is a championship.
Beyond defending LeBron’s title, O’Neal acknowledged the high expectations placed on any Laker great. “But the thing about the Lakers is, their fans are real greedy. Okay, you got us this bubble championship, but when are you going to get us another? It’s always that.” LeBron has remained one of the NBA’s top players, even as he nears retirement. His ability to compete at an elite level while leading the team keeps the Lakers in title contention year after year.
The Lakers have honored only a select few with statues— Magic Johnson, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaq, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, and broadcaster Chick Hearn. “He’s a great player, with great ability, and he did what he was supposed to do as a Laker,” Shaq said.
Also Read: “This is driving me crazy”: Dillon Brooks’ ejection gets fiery response from Stephen A. Smith after heated clash with Kevin Durant
NBA fans were quick to respond to Shaq's reaction.
"How are they even comparable @SHAQ? The Bubble (gum) Championship isn’t looked at as legit bc we’ve always been told it’s the travel, the home court, etc that makes the grind of winning a title such a challenge. When an “Away Game” means jumping on a 10 min trolley ride from Epcot to Magic Kingdom, and in front of none of the opposing teams fans, how is it the same as Tim D, who’s team had to deal w both?" one fan wrote.
Another pointed that the Hall of Famer went soft.
One fan came in support of LeBron.
Another hailed the Lakers veteran.
LeBron has been in his A-game, but the Lakers veteran is nearing the end of his career. He has created NBA history by sharing the same team court with his son Bronny James, who is also making a steady rise in the basketball scene with his performances on the G-league and in the Lakers.