Shaquille O’Neal Labels LeBron James’ 76ers a ‘Championship or Bust’ Team

Shaquille O'Neal has generally defended free agent LeBron James' decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers.

Shaquille O’Neal Labels LeBron James’ 76ers a ‘Championship or Bust’ Team

Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James (Image via Full Court Pass/X)

Once LeBron James decided that he was better off joining the Philadelphia 76ers, everyone knew that it was the best chance to add more championship rings to his collection.

Odds of the team becoming a championship favorite spike across all betting sites. At the same time, they did not land at the top of those lists, simply because not everyone agrees that a team that good on paper will automatically win.

The real fruit is when the collective group of players starts to perform to their potential. Before getting there, the players will likely experience growing pains. However, they need to get over it quickly, as Shaquille O’Neal stated on SportsCenter.

Championship or bust. You got the great LeBron. You got great Embiid… I know LeBron wants to get one last one. Jaylen is feeling slighted. Maxey is making a name for himself, definitely the team to watch. I don’t wanna hear next year… This team was put together to win a championship now… They have all the pieces they need.

Shaquille O’Neal said

The Hall of Famer believes that the Sixers have all the talent necessary to win a championship this year. He reiterated that they cannot wait until next year, as the team composition is enough to win now.

O’Neal acknowledged that every player in the starting five has the motivation needed to deliver. It is just a matter of how they will come together to win it all.

The Diesel has defended narratives that LeBron James is ring-chasing with another super team, reiterating that as a competitive player, it is natural to go after championships. Now, his latest statement indicates that if they do not, then it could be termed a failure.

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LeBron James and his new teammates put themselves through the paces in private workout

The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to struggle early in the season, owing to their lack of on-court chemistry. The best way to work towards countering that is team-building sessions and workouts before training camp begins.

Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and LeBron James working out
Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and LeBron James working out (Image via Chris Johnson Hoops/X)

After LeBron James signed, the first workout he planned was with Tyrese Maxey. They have worked out in the past, as the two Klutch Sports clients tend to spend time together in the offseason. But this time, they were going through the paces as teammates.

Now, Jaylen Brown has joined in, working out with the pair along with their trainers. Videos show the trio honing their skills on pick-and-roll plays, cuts across the baseline, one-on-one shooting, and other plays they will likely use this coming season.

Maxey and James already have a few workouts under their belt. Brown joining them at the JusHoop academy indicates that he will probably be around his new teammates for the next few days.

Joel Embiid and VJ Edgecombe could join them later. But usually, if players have different trainers, they try not to overlap, as the trainers do not want to impact their business.

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Shaquille O’Neal gives his honest opinion about Buss family selling Lakers

Apart from talking about LeBron James and the Philadelphia 76ers, SportsCenter’s host also asked Shaquille O’Neal about his opinion on Jeanie Buss and her siblings apparently selling their stake in the Lakers.

I have great admiration for the Buss family. Learned a lot of business acumen from watching them… It will be different not knowing that the Buss family is there with the Lakers, but I want to wish them well, want to congratulate them. Thank you for the great memories they gave me.

Shaquille O’Neal replied

The four-time champion reminded viewers that he knows how much the late Dr. Jerry Buss paid when he bought the team. To sell it now at the $12.5 billion valuation to him is a ‘monumental business move.’

O’Neal admitted that the Buss family not having their name attached to the Lakers might feel odd. But if they have pulled this sale off by pocketing that much, it is a credit to them.

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