Shaquille O’Neal Urges Lakers to Trade Major Star He Had Supported Strongly in the Past

The disappointing season for the Lakers continues. Despite LeBron James performing at the highest level, they have not been able to take advantage of it. After the loss against the pelicans, they dropped to 11th seed. Now they have lost another game against the Denver Nuggets. 

Hence, former Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal is just as disappointed as all the other fans. The Lakers traded for Russell Westbrook in the off-season of last year, but the deal did not bring the success they had hoped for. It has been by far one of the worst seasons of Russell Westbrook’s career and, from his standards, he knows how disappointing that is.

Shaq has addressed the issue with the age of the Lakers’ roster before as well. Everyone would agree that even at 37, LeBron James is an absolute sensation. But the likes of Carmelo Anthony, Dwight Howard, and Russell Westbrook have struggled to maintain the pace, momentum, and consistency in their game. Shaq once again spoke up about the Lakers. He suggested what they need in the future to return to the status the franchise has.

Also read: Skip Bayless bashes Lebron and Lakers.

Shaquille O’Neal drops a harsh reality check for Lakers amidst constant struggles

Shaquille O’Neal on CBS sports talked about the Lakers. After another defeat on Sunday, the Lakers have fallen short of the play-in spots and the possibility of even qualifying for the play-in seems bleak. Shaq shared his opinion on what the Lakers need to do in the off-season to come back strong next year.

“Gotta get rid of the expiring contracts. We gotta get rid of the projects that didn’t work. And we gotta try to get younger, more athletic around LeBron. Because paper wise, when everybody read the deals like ooh Westbrook, ooh this that, but now age, age is a factor. You know, AD was hurt all year.”

“I think he played last night but gotta keep him healthy. So, still keep LeBron and AD and you probably gotta you know make moves for everybody else,” Shaq said. 

The Lakers have been affected by Anthony Davis’ injury the whole season. Although Malik Monk has been one of the very few positives for the Lakers, they have not picked momentum at any stage this season. It seems like it is only LeBron who has been dropping masterclass performances in the hope of qualifying for the play-in.

WATCH THIS STORY: Top 50 point games of LeBron.

It is no secret that Frank Vogel’s side finds itself in troubling waters. Even if they win all four remaining games, there still is a chance that they won’t qualify. The only other possibility for their qualifications would be if the Pelicans lose at least 3 and the Spurs lose all of their remaining four, while they themselves win all their remaining games.

Do you think they stand a chance?