Shaquille O’Neal sets record straight on media calls to discredit LeBron James’ bubble championship

Critics have always tried to diminish LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers' 2020 bubble championship win.

Shaquille O’Neal sets record straight on media calls to discredit LeBron James’ bubble championship

Shaquille O'Neal and Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James

LeBron James won his fourth NBA title playing for the Los Angeles Lakers. That one came about during the 2020 COVID induced bubble. Considering it was in a closed off environment and without the pressure of facing opposition fans, some media members have tried to discredit it.

Most notable have been routine LeBron James detractors Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless. The latter has always discredited the 2020 Bubble Championship by suggesting it was far easier than any NBA title fight in league history.

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He believed the setting it itself made it easy, and on top of that the Miami Heat were not one of the best teams to go against. Smith too has followed the same logic and has used it to gain brownie points when debating about the NBA’s GOAT. However, Shaquille O’Neal thinks that should not be the case.

He won a championship with the Lakers, and a lot of people try to discredit it. If that one doesn’t count, then you can’t count Mr. [Tim] Duncan’s bubble championship either. That’s right. I said it! If we’re counting Tim Duncan’s lockout-year championship, then you have to count LeBron’s too.

Shaquille O’Neal said

During a conversation with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson, O’Neal clarified that discrediting James’ bubble championship is not valid. He might have played in a restricted environment, but even then, it was a full championship minus fan involvement.

Shaquille O’Neal believes LeBron James deserves Lakers statue

LeBron James‘ exploits primarily came with the Cleveland Cavaliers as well as the Miami Heat. As a part of the Los Angeles Lakers, he has that 2020 bubble championship to go along with some NBA record setting accolades. The latter is what Shaquille O’Neal believes should net him a statue.

LeBron broke the record, and he did it as a Laker. Would I oppose him having a statue in Los Angeles? No, I wouldn’t. If they want to give him a statue, I’d be fine with that. He’s a great player, with great ability, and he did what he was supposed to do as a Laker.

Shaquille O’Neal said

Stephen A. Smith suggested that James should get statues at both his previous stops. If going by The Big Aristotle’s logic, James will have a third statue erected at Crypto.com Arena. That in itself will be a unique accomplishment.

Along with setting the all-time scoring record, the 40-year-old helped the Lakers to equal the Boston Celtics title haul. Last season the Celtics re-established their supremacy, which means Lakers fans want one soon.

Lakers fans are greedy

Shaquille O’Neal set his own mark as one of the greatest players to ever wear a purple and gold jersey. Coming from his experience of winning three championships with them, he believed Los Angeles Lakers fans want LeBron James to do more.

But the thing about the Lakers is, their fans are real greedy. Okay, you got us this bubble championship, but when are you going to get us another? It’s always that.

Shaquille O’Neal said

It will be five seasons since a purple and gold championship banner has been unveiled. The franchise’s fans are used to winning. Which means, they will likely ensure their voices are heard about the lack of another championship.

James also knows the drill and will likely want to win at least one before he retires. That will help deflect any criticism. At the same time, it will also help him advance in the GOAT conversation and likely take over the lead over Michael Jordan.