SUMMARY
- Shaquille O'Neal categorically stated on 'The Big Man' Podcast that he would never consider coaching the Lakers.
- In a 2023 interview, he mentioned his interest in a specific team, hinting at a desire to buy the Orlando Magic.
Shaquille O’Neal is arguably the greatest center to ever play in the NBA. At his peak, he dominated the paint like no other. His raw physicality was almost impossible to counter and he certainly took advantage of it, winning four Championship rings. Standing at 7 feet and 1 inch and weighing 325 pounds, the Big Diesel could easily intimidate the average NBA starter.
Shaq has gone on to become a successful entrepreneur and a beloved pundit on NBA on TNT. It’s clear that he’s amassed a wealth of basketball knowledge throughout his life. When asked if he would ever consider coaching the Lakers on ‘The Big Man’ Podcast, he replied “No, never.” O’Neil had an interesting justification lined up for it too.
The Big Diesel went on to say: “You know why? ‘Cause I smack people. If I tell you to do something and you don’t do it, I’m just gonna smack you.” This candid reply shows how self-aware Shaq is. He’s been known to be hot-tempered and is also known to be very sensitive. The Lakers medical staff would be dealing with a different sort of load management if O’Neal started coaching in L.A.
Shaquille O’Neal prefers NBA franchise ownership over coaching role
This isn’t the first time Shaq has addressed questions regarding why he hasn’t taken a coaching role in the NBA. “I probably wouldn’t be able to coach…have an old-school mentality — Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, the great Gregg Popovich –type mentality. I don’t think I would be able to relate to the new generation,” he once said. He’s also coached his son’s AAU team and won a championship, but that’s where he draws the line.
Shaquille O’Neal is a very successful entrepreneur with deep connections in the NBA community. He has a great reputation as a player, pundit and mentor. The former #1 pick at the face of it surely seems to have all the tools in his arsenal to make a great team owner. And the big man seems to agree. “I’m interested in a certain team in Florida,” he once said in an interview with Sports Illustrated in May 2023.
Over the next few questions, it became clear that Shaq was referring to the Orlando Magic. He went on to clarify that he did not know whether the team was up for sale. He simply expressed his interest in buying the team he started his career with, someday. Shaquille O’Neal has displayed an understanding of his own strengths and weaknesses. Magic fans would certainly welcome this legend with open arms.