Shaquille O’Neal posts FRUSTRATED RESPONSE to Jeanie Buss snubbing his Lakers legacy for LeBron James

Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal excluded from Jeanie Buss' All-Time 5 most important Lakers.

Shaquille O’Neal posts FRUSTRATED RESPONSE to Jeanie Buss snubbing his Lakers legacy for LeBron James

LeBron James and Shaquille O'Neal (image via Getty Images)

Shaquille O’Neal, the legendary former Los Angeles Lakers big man, expressed his surprise and disappointment when he discovered that he had been left off Jeanie Buss’ All-Time 5 Most Important Lakers list. Taking to Instagram, Shaq posted an image of Buss’ list, along with the only response he could think of: “Whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy.”

Buss, the owner of the Lakers, had chosen Kobe Bryant, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Phil Jackson as her selection for the team’s most important players. While these names have undoubtedly left an unfading mark on Lakers history, the absence of Shaquille O’Neal is seen by many as both incomplete and shocking.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9QRIBSNdnuA

During his eight seasons with the Lakers, Shaq played a crucial role in the team’s three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. He averaged an impressive 27.0 points, 11.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 0.6 steals, and 2.5 blocks per game. Alongside his three NBA rings and three Finals MVP awards, Shaq also earned seven All-Star Game selections, five All-NBA First Team selections, and three All-Defensive Team nominations. These accomplishments only highlight the significance of his contributions to the Lakers’ success.

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Related: LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal’s sons REJECTED ENTRY at a Hollywood birthday bash

Shaquille O’Neal’s response and perspective

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Shaquille O’Neal (image via Francois Nel | Getty Images Sport | Getty Images)

This recent exclusion is not the first time Shaq has addressed being left off Jeanie Buss’ list. In a previous episode of his podcast, The Big Podcast with Shaq, he shared his thoughts on the matter. Shaq emphasized his respect and admiration for Jeanie Buss and the entire Buss family, highlighting the immense financial support he received during his time with the Lakers.

“I love Jeanie Buss. I have never, would never say anything negative about Jeanie Buss,” Shaq said. “She gave me $120 million, $100 million, another $80 million. I would never, ever in my life say anything negative about Jeanie Buss and the Buss family. That is her opinion. I respect her opinion … Look, I’m not mad about that.”

At the age of 49, Shaq now finds himself in a more peaceful state of mind compared to his younger self. He acknowledged that if he were 29, he might have been offended by the exclusion, questioning how LeBron James, who had only been with the Lakers for a relatively short time, could be ranked ahead of him.

However, Shaq expressed his acceptance and understanding of varying opinions, stating, “I’m 49, I respect people’s opinion.” One thing remains certain: Shaquille O’Neal’s impact on the Lakers and his place in their storied history is undeniable.

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