“Expose Shaquille O’Neal as Overrated”: When 7ft 1” Lakers Legend Threatened Tex Winter for Calling Him Out in Front of Phil Jackson

There is no doubt that Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest players of all time. The man is hailed as one of the most dominant players in NBA history.

When he entered the league in 1992, his tall, slender, and muscular frame coupled with his natural ability made him a force to be reckoned with. However, as time went on, his body started deteriorating little by little.

To the point, where Shaq could only be described as being chubby and slow. That is exactly what Lakers assistant coach Tex Winter thought, and it was this that led to a shouting match between the two in front of Phil Jackson.

Also Read: Months Prior To $120 Million, Shaquille O’Neal Suffered A Devastating Loss, “I Didn’t Know She Was Sick”

Shaquille O’Neal threatened Tex Winter after he was called out by the assistant coach in front of Phil Jackson

In 2004, the LA Lakers took on the Detroit Pistons in what would turn out to be a disastrous Finals for the men in purple and gold. The Lakers were humiliated 4-1 by the Pistons, as the series raised tensions both during the Finals as well as after it.

As revealed in the book, Three Ring Circus by Jeff Pearlman, tensions were particularly high between Assistant Coach, Tex Winter and the Lakers star center, Shaquille O’Neal. Winter was annoyed with the state of Diesel’s health, as he looked slow and lethargic on tape.

An outraged Tex would confront Shaq, a decision which inevitably led to a shouting match in front of head coach Phil Jackson.

“On the day after the game, Tex Winter watched tapes and couldn’t contain his outrage. “When I’m all done,” he yelled toward Jackson, “I’m going to expose this guy as overrated.” An hour or so later, as the players and coaches sat together to review, Winter fired a direct criticism at O’Neal. It was not taken well. “Why don’t you just mind your own business, old man?” the center screamed. Jackson asked his assistant to elaborate. “Shaq shrugged his shoulders and threw up his hands when you said something,” Winter said. “I told you to shut the f**k up,” O’Neal snapped. “We don’t need to hear from you about this s**t. Just mind your own business.” “This,” Winter replied, “is my business.” The tension could be felt from wall to wall.”

This was just one of the many signs suggesting that the Lakers dynasty was over. After all, they did trade Shaq away in the following season.

Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat following the Lakers’ loss to the Pistons

The shocking Finals loss to the Pistons was a wake-up call for the Lakers organization. They knew they had to blow things up, and as a result, they traded Shaq to the Miami Heat. Where he won his fourth championship.

It certainly was a shock at the time. But, it is safe to say that things turned out for the best.

Also Read: “Who Am I, Shaq or Rudy Gobert?!”: 7ft 1″ Shaquille O’Neal Fired Shots at Timberwolves’ Big While Talking About Son Shaqir O’Neal