Lakers Legend Destroys Shaquille O’Neal’s Orlando Dilemma with Stinging Reality Check

What if Shaquille O’Neal never left Orlando Magic? One of the biggest ‘what could’ve been’ of the NBA community. And a topic that even Shaq keeps revisiting time and again. There have been different perceptions, opinions, and even sorrows about it. Now, more recently, one teammate of the 4x NBA champ also gave his opinion on the hypothetical question.

The discussion regarding the hypothetical possibility emerged with Big Shot Bob Podcast co-host, Brandon Harper, bringing up how Shaq often brings up “what if he would’ve never left Orlando”. Replying to the question hilariously was 7x NBA champ Robert Horry — “He just still got his a** kicked.” Seemingly, the take comes out as a dig on Shaq’s Magic losing to Horry’s Houston Rockets in the 1995 playoffs.

The 7x NBA champ also added “cuz he needed me,” to his response. A hilarious take on Horry and Shaq winning 3 NBA championships alongside Kobe during their shared time in the Lakers. All the good humor aside, there is no doubt that Shaq, if stayed in the Magic, could’ve possibly created a great legacy for the franchise along with Penny Hardaway.

Let’s not forget that the Shaq and Penny duo defeated Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls in the 1995 playoffs. Yes, Jordan was just returning from his first retirement, but still an impressive feat for the Magic. As far as their defeat against the Rockets in the ’95 Finals series is concerned, consider it as a roster with no prior experience of the big stage playing against the ’94 defending champions. And a bit of an ego boost after defeating the legendary Bulls of the time, as admitted by many.

And yes, Magic lost 1996 playoff series as well to the Bulls. But you can’t blame for someone as competitive as Michael Jordan to have his revenge on Shaquille O’Neal and Co. But had Big Diesel been just patient enough for the Bulls’ legacy to end, Magic could’ve been the next in line. Especially considering the Shaq-Penny duo led the team to three consecutive playoff appearances. And managed a 167-79 regular season record during the three-year span.

Shaquille O’Neal’s apology to Penny Hardaway

With two star players on the team, it’s difficult to avoid the debate of who is the leader on the team. Something that even Shaq could not escape after Hardway debuted with Orlando Magic one year after Shaq had been on the team. As Penny’s gameplay gained popularity, the insecurities within Big Diesel started to kick in. The positive aspect, however, has been that the big man has not been in denial of this.

During one of his podcast episodes, the 15x All Star admitted professional jealousy and ego got the best of him back then. Shaq mentioned when an opinion that Magic is now Penn’s team started circulating around, he couldn’t resist but see for himself what other teams could offer him.

“I would like to take the time to apologize to you (Penny)… I probably said some stuff I shouldn’t have said. If I ever did rub you the wrong way… I apologize,” Shaq said. As much as the acceptance should be appreciated, there is no denying the damage to the Magic cannot be reversed. And although there is no concrete way of determining the outcomes, possibilities with Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway on the same team could’ve been immense.

Stay tuned for more updates. Join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host, BG12, sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.