The Los Angeles Lakers are getting a big warning from The Big Aristotle.
In an interview this week with CNBC, retired Lakers great Shaquille O’Neal spoke on the rumors and uncertainty over LeBron James’ future in L.A.
“If you trade LeBron, you’ll never win again,” warned O’Neal. “You have to make a decision. If you put LeBron around the right guys, they are definitely going to win. I think whoever put the team together needs to step up and try and fix it.”
James, who is under contract through next season, appears to be getting increasingly frustrated with the status quo for the 27-33 Lakers. While the Lakers are generally not thought to be considering a James trade, the idea has at least been floated out there by pundits to ensure that the Lakers do not lose the four-time MVP for nothing.
The Lakers have always been a marquee destination for top talent. But O’Neal seems to believe that trading away one of the greatest players of all-time will damage that reputation. Whatever the case though, this is not the first time this season that O’Neal has had harsh words for his former team.
Photo: Mar 10, 2017; Atlanta, GA, USA; NBA former player Shaquille O’Neal watches a game between the Atlanta Hawks and Toronto Raptors in the third quarter at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 105-99. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
