“If you didn’t have championship resume…hard to believe in you,” Shaquille O’Neal gets real about inexperienced JJ Redick coaching Lakers

JJ Redick has not coached professionally in the NBA yet.

“If you didn’t have championship resume…hard to believe in you,” Shaquille O’Neal gets real about inexperienced JJ Redick coaching Lakers

Shaquille O'Neal talks about JJ Redick's challenge ahead

The Los Angeles Lakers is one of the most respected franchises in NBA history. The team has the second most championships with some of the best players as well as coaches. Hence, many were shocked when the organization hired an inexperienced JJ Redick as their head coach. Now, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal is also reflecting on the team’s decision.

During the recent episode of the Big Podcast with Shaq, the four-time champion talked about JJ Redick getting hired over Sam Cassell. Shaquille O’Neal believes that Cassell deserved the same opportunity, but he was happy for Redick. O’Neal talked about the pressure of being a Lakers coach on top of being a coach without any championship experience.

If you didn't have that championship experience and I could question you. It was always hard for me to believe in you.
Shaquille O’Neal said
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O’Neal was reflecting upon the difference between the impact of an inexperienced and experienced coach. Shaq gave his own example of playing under coaches like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley. The Hall of Famer explained the trust he had in these coaches which allowed him to listen to them considering their championship resume.

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The 52-year-old compared the situation with today’s Lakers team. The team also has the star LeBron James who might need the same trust with Redick to put the necessary efforts. O’Neal was not questioning Redick but instead was simply making his point.

Shaquille O’Neal and JJ Redick agreed upon LeBron James’ leadership

LeBron James has gained his ‘star’ title due to his incredible talent from a young age. The Lakers forward dominated ever since he joined the league. Both O’Neal and Redick have witnessed this up close as Shaq has played with James, while Redick shares a friendship with the star. Even before Redick was announced as the Lakers HC, he had high praise for the star which O’Neal agreed upon.

Considering LeBron James has played 21 seasons in league, Redick applauded his longevity during an appearance on Shaq’s podcast. Redick talked about the maintained intensity in his game as O’Neal praised James’ leadership. Shaq also reflected on young James’ impact when they were teammates at the Cleveland Cavaliers.

When I played with LeBron, he was the greatest young leader I've ever seen. He just ran it so perfectly. The way he treated the guys, the way he treated the organization, the way he was coached, the way he looked out for guys. I was like 'damn I don't even have to do nothing.
Shaquille O’Neal said

The praise certainly speaks volumes coming from someone like O’Neal. Now, James will be able to help Redick with his leadership skills for the next season. It will be interesting to see how that partnership works out on the basketball court.

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