Despite Demanding $25 Million For Lakers Job, Shaquille O’Neal Denies Potential Coaching Gig

Shaquille O’Neal is quite the Renaissance man. Big Diesel is not only a former NBA superstar, but he is also a DJ, businessman, and NBA analyst. He can do it all. But, when asked if he would like to add “coaching” to his resume, he flat-out denied it. Despite once demanding $25 million to take up the Lakers coaching job.

With a 19-year career in the NBA, Shaq is considered by many to be one of the most dominant forces the NBA has ever seen. With career averages of 24 points, 11 rebounds, and two blocks per game. Additionally, racking up four NBA Championships along the way.

A Hall of Fame career to say the least. However, with such a resume, one can’t help but wonder if what panned out well on the court would translate well to coaching.

Shaquille O’Neal claims his old-school mentality prevents him from being a coach

There can be no denying that Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest players of all time. He was a player who was able to run the floor like a guard, but still have the strength and power of a center his size. He certainly was a unique player.

With such players, it is only natural that coaching becomes an option. After all, most individuals when they reach a certain age, would like to nurture the next generation. And, for head coaches, that is the next generation of NBA superstars.

However, that isn’t the case for Big Diesel. Despite having a plethora of tools, skills, and abilities he could impart to the younger generation, he believes that he is not fit to coach. Particularly because of his old-school mentality, which he claims is similar to some of the coaching greats he has worked with. In the Volume’s Podcast 3 Points, O’Neal revealed:

“I probably wouldn’t be able to coach. I have an old-school mentality. Pat Riley, Phil Jackson, Greg Popovich type of mentality. And, I don’t think I’ll be able to relate to the new generation.”

To be fair to Shaq, it is a fair point to make. However, it is also a bit hypocritical. Especially considering he once suggested he would be open to coaching for $25 million.

Shaq once demanded $25 million to coach the Los Angeles Lakers

An old-school mentality is a valid reason for not wanting to coach. But, this does paint The Big Aristotle in a whole different light. After all, he was the one who suggested he would be willing to coach the LA Lakers for $25 million.

Shaq says he wants a 4-year, $25M contract to coach the Lakers: https://t.co/9irwrrrsTL

— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) April 21, 2022

It certainly would have made headlines. But, it’s hard to imagine the Big fella sitting around dishing out instructions to his young team.