Shaquille O’Neal Gets Brutally Honest on Russell Westbrook Behaving Like Orlando Shaq: “Forget Kareem, Forget Magic. Seven Points a Quarter. 28 Points a Game”

The world of NBA was surprised when the legendary Shaquille O’Neal was seen at a Lakers game last week. What was even more shocking, was the fact that he was offering one-on-one advice to experienced guard Russell Westbrook. Although many fans are losing hope by the day, the 15-time All-Star remains optimistic about the shift in Westbrook’s form over time. In a recent chat, he revealed how the 33-year-old is similar to how he fared at the Orlando Magic.

49-year-old Shaquille O’Neal is arguably the biggest legend in Lakers history. Back then, owner Jerry Buss acquired the powerhouse for a whopping prize; one of the highest in NBA history at the time. But before joining the men in yellow and purple, Shaq developed his game with the Orlando Magic, where his numbers took off. Although his form had its ups and downs, it was the foundational stage of an epic career. And to him, Westbrook’s campaign at LA is intriguingly similar.

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Shaquille O’Neal issues golden words of advice to Russell Westbrook

In spite of what the critics are saying, Shaq knows talent when he recognizes it. Coming to Westbrook, the 9-time All-Star is undergoing a minor blip in form. Averaging a mere 18.7 points this year, it is around 4 points lesser than his career average. But the 4-time NBA champion opines that he will find his groove soon, and has the desire to succeed.

Speaking on ‘The Big Podcast With Shaq’, O’Neal pointed out how his campaign at Orlando was similar to Russ’. “He wants to do well, he’s still one of the hardest workers in the league, and that pressure right there. When you add all that pressure, he still has you [breathless noises]. He just needs to [deep breath noise] relax, change his focus, change his motivation. I was like that when I first got to Orlando. Then I had to be like forget all that, forget Kareem, forget Magic, this my town. Seven points a quarter. 28 points a game.”

In the midst of all the mayhem, maybe Westbrook just needs to stick to the basics. After all, we have seen his impeccable prowess on display time and again. Rest assured, his confidence can only get higher, which will lead to a destructive version of the Lakers soon!