Shaquille O’Neal is one of the few in the NBA space and is not impressed with LeBron James continuing to play in the NBA today.
LeBron James continues to ignore his father’s time. Despite being 40 years old, James plays at the highest level and is one of the best in the world.
James’ contemporaries are the same things that he saw as he played and were inspired by his early days. One Cavaliers star recently admitted to wanting to be like LeBron James.
Some people question his greatness. Tony Allen recently said LeBron James isn’t as hard to defend as Kevin Durant or Carmelo Anthony.
And now another NBA legend is questioning his greatness. Specifically, his longevity denies it for the current nature of the NBA.
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Speaking on his podcast, Shaquille O’Neal dismissed LeBron James’ longevity in the NBA. He pointed out that the lack of physicality in this era allowed him to find success.
He used Clippers star Ben Simmons as a prime example of this “softness” and called out the original All-Star, earning $250 million despite not playing at all.
“No doubt (LeBron’s longevity is a product of a lack of physicality)… It was crazy to come back before I played, but it was crazy when I played, people are mad.
“I’ve seen greatness, I’ve been there. I don’t see it all the time here. Do you want me to give these m****** the same props you’re giving? It never happens.
“You f**** g is great. I’m great. How can I hate you?…Ben f**** g Simmons, that m**** r should be arrested.
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I understand Shaq’s big complaints about the modern NBA, but if not a bit harsh, the issues with LeBron James make little sense.
LeBron James joined the NBA in 2003 when the league was still very physical. And after graduating from high school, LeBron was able to thrive in the NBA.
In his first four years in the NBA, in a much more physical era, James averaged 26.7 points, 6.7 rebounds and 6.4 assists.
There is no denying that James flourished in an era when physicality reigned at the highest level. In fact, LeBron James even reached the NBA Finals during such periods. So Shaq’s comments are reportedly ignorant.