“James Harden needs to take it to that next level”: Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal advises former Rockets star to let his game do the talking with the Nets

Shaquille O’Neal remains defiant about roasting James Harden for demanding a getting a trade to Brooklyn and forming a big 3.

The Harden trade was met with shock and incredulity around the league. It took a few hours – nearly a day – for the world to get a reaction from the Inside crew. Shaq and Chuck, however, made no bones about James Harden’s difficult role in Brooklyn now.

Shaq criticized him for not getting it done with the Rockets. He’d previously been on Harden’s back for wilting in the postseason. In accordance with his past stances, Shaq did the same this time around. He said Harden got whatever he wanted from his front office in Houston, but didn’t deliver.

Also Read: “I hate Shaq, but he loves me”: Charles Barkley hilariously roasts Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal on Inside the NBA set on MLK Day

Chuck went in even further, calling Harden and Kyrie selfish superstars. All of this didn’t sit right with the Beard, who posted a criticism of the duo on Instagram.

Shaquille O’Neal maintains that James Harden has to do more

On today’s Inside the NBA talk, Shaquille O’Neal refused to backtrack on his stance. He took it upon himself to explain how Harden would have to ‘take it to that next level’ to get his respect and that of Chuck.

“In order to get respect from me and Chuck, you gotta take it to that next level.”

Also Read: James Harden rips into Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley after Nets debut: “We talk about upliftment but these talking heads do the opposite on TV”

Harden became the first player in NBA history to tally 30+ points and 10+ assists in each of his first 2 games with a new team. The Nets held off a spirited charge from the Bucks to win 125-123. Harden set KD up for the game-winning 3-pointer with under a minute left.