“Keep Getting The Money”: Months After Disregarding Superstar Status, Shaquille O?Neal Extends a Hand Of Kindness Toward NBA Star Kawhi Leonard

Prior to his stint with the Los Angeles Clippers, Kawhi Leonard had won two rings with two different teams. However, things have not been going so smoothly in LA for Kawhi Leonard. The 2x-NBA champion has been dealing with constant injuries for the past few years. Leonard’s third and the Clippers’ first championship pursuit got snapped at the hands of the Phoenix Suns in Round 1. Aggravating Leonard’s woes, another injury befell the 31-year-old star. However, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal seems to have Kawhi Leonard’s back during this tumultuous time.

O’Neal has never refrained from speaking his heart out. The Los Angeles Lakers legend had once hinted that he does not regard Kawhi Leonard as high as he regards certain other contemporary greats. Nonetheless, O’Neal has now shown some kindness towards the Clippers star.

Shaquille O’Neal’s words of support for Kawhi Leonard

In the recent episode of?The Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal and crew weighed in on numerous hot topics from the NBA world. The crew also weighed in on Leonard and his prospects after the underwhelming campaign. Nischelle Turner brought to the crew’s attention that Stephen A. Smith had said that the Clippers should force Leonard to retire. Shaq, however, begs to differ from Smith’s crude opinion. He pointed out that both Kawhi Leonard and the Clippers had an unlucky break.

Co-host Spice Adams also had Kawhi Leonard’s back. Adams told that JJ Redick had called out Stephen A. for his comments on Leonard. Adams remarked that he enjoyed listening to Redick. The Diesel quickly came back with his thoughts on Leonard. “I wouldn’t say force him[Kawhi Leonard] to retire. It’s just five six years unlucky,”?O’Neal said.?“I am not going to go on a record take and make him quit. Keep getting money as long as you can brother,” Shaq added.

These words of support, however, came from Shaquille O’Neal months after he hinted that Kawhi Leonard cannot be considered an NBA superstar.

Shaquille O’Neal didn’t consider Kawhi Leonard a superstar

Few months back, in an interview with Bleacher Report’s Taylor Rooks, Shaquille O’Neal gave his interesting take on who all were superstars in the contemporary NBA. According to the Lakers legend, Stephen Curry, LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant were the only superstars in the league.

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The interviewer asked Shaq if Kawhi Leonard was a superstar. O’Neal said he wasn’t sure and asked if she knew. She told the four-time NBA champion that she had considered Leonard to be a superstar but at that time, he was just a star. Shaq indirectly agreed to Taylor Rooks, and disregarded Kawhi Leonard as a superstar.

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O’Neal’s changed stance on Leonard is certainly surprising. However, Kawhi’s greatness is unquestionable. Do you stand with Shaq or Stephen A. Smith in this Kawhi Leonard debate? Let us know in the comments.