Shaquille O'Neal Issues a Stern Warning to Lakers About Trading LeBron James

Shaquille O’Neal Issues a Stern Warning to Lakers About Trading LeBron James

Feb 28, 2022 | 10:32 PM EST

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A season after acquiring LeBron James, the Los Angeles Lakers won their 17th NBA title. However, the team has struggled to perform since then, despite James’ consistent dominance on the court. Now, amidst countless trade rumors, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal opened up on his views about James, the Lakers’ performance, and a possible trade.

In a recent interview, O’Neal made his stand clear; the Lakers will regret trading James.

Shaquille O’Neal on the Lakers possibly trading LeBron James

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While talking to CNBC, O’Neal ended up warning the Lakers. Despite a bad season, no one can deny James’ prowess on the court. His game is still drawing in the MVP discussions, even though the Lakers will still have to play the play-in tournament.

?If you trade LeBron, you?ll never win again,? O?Neal said. He further explained that, surrounded by the correct roster, James will certainly lead their team to victory. “I think whoever put the team together needs to step up and try and fix it.”

Looking back at the Lakers’ 2020 title, O’Neal might just be right; if the Lakers do alter their team, everyone, including Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook, who were meant to shine as the big three in the league, will have served its purpose this season.

Having said that, O’Neal himself was traded by the Lakers a short while (2004) after winning the three-peat (2000-2002). Though he did win with the Miami Heat, later on, many still believe that the 49-year-old would have done better with the Lakers. Not to forget, even the late Kobe Bryant took years to win a title again in 2009.

When will James’ contract end?

With James, his contract will end in 2023. Though he seems to be the best player on the team, for now, his trade could bring forth many unexpected aspects. The Lakers are currently placed ninth in the Western Conference, performing slightly better than the New Orleans Pelicans.

Lakers fans rain down boos after another LeTurnover.
What has happened to this once great Franchise https://t.co/D9nKTU4AeV
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) February 28, 2022

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Of course, despite anyone’s prediction, the Lakers’ season might or might not improve. The roster itself was meant to boost James,?who is averaging 29 points per game. Though Davis and Westbrook follow, the team has lost five of their last six games. With the playoffs approaching, the current situation might only worsen the Lakers’ chances.

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That being said, the team will face the Dallas Mavericks next on March 1st, 10:00 PM EST.