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“You Gotta Make Them Pay”: 7ft 1″ Shaquille O’Neal Found 25-year-old LeBron James’ Alpha Ways Impressive

Trikansh Kher
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"You Gotta Make Them Pay": 7ft 1" Shaquille O'Neal Found 25-year-old LeBron James' Alpha Ways Impressive

Following the 2010 season, the Cleveland Cavaliers witnessed the arrival of the legendary Centre Shaquille O’Neal, a towering force in the NBA. However, amidst the star-studded roster, it was LeBron James who emerged as the face of the franchise. Matching and even exceeding expectations put on him, LeBron was already one of the best players in the League in his rookie season.

Unveiling his innermost thoughts in his memoir, aptly titled ‘Shaq Uncut‘, O’Neal eloquently expressed his deep-seated admiration for LeBron.

Crowning James to be one of the best floor generals of his generation, Shaq even had heavy praise for LeBron’s locker room presence. A vocal presence in the team himself, Shaq thought of LeBron as a leader and someone who knew how to motivate his teammates.

The time when the ‘Big Diesel’ heaped praise on Celeveland’s young ‘King’

In his first biography, ‘Shaq Uncut,’ O’Neal describes how Lebron riled the team up during tough stretches of the playoffs. Showing maturity beyond his age, LeBron would often be heard telling his teammates to capitalize on every scoring opportunity.

Engaging in constant conversations with Mo Williams and Boobie Gibson, LeBron was always seen strategizing with the coaching staff and fellow players throughout the day.

Shaq while recounting his Cleveland days, talked about how James handled tough moments in the locker room. Shaq, describing the situation, said

Once in a while, if the guys weren’t responding, he’d come, curse a few people out, and say, “You can work harder than that. I know you can.” LeBron is also a pretty good X and O guy. He used to talk to Mo Williams and Boobie Gibson all the time about how he was going to get them open. He’d say, “Fellas, these guys are disrespecting you. You gotta make them pay. I’m going to have three guys hanging on me and I’m going to kick it out to you, and you make sure you have the right angle so you can make the shot. Got that? Hit a damn shot. Loosen it up now, fellas. C’mon now. I’m counting on you.”

Playing only a single season together, the duo managed to clinch the first seed in the East. But things would swiftly change during the playoffs as the Cavs would receive an early second-round exit to the superteam in Boston.

The early exit would also mean the end of the duo’s relationship on the court, as Shaq signed with the Celtics the very next year.

Shaq etches a place in sports media while LeBron chases a possible 5th ring

The playoff stint with LeBron might have been the last time we saw the ‘Diesel’ performing at a high level. After he departed from Cleveland, Shaq signed with the Celtics to play his last season in the NBA.

Riddled with injuries, Shaq decided to hang it up in 2012 and has since transitioned to Sports Media and Entertainment. He is best known for his work on the show ‘Inside the NBA’. While Shaq is chasing success outside the court, LeBron continues to be dominant even after playing 20 seasons in the NBA.

LeBron has won four championships, also bringing the Championship to Cleveland for the first time in the league’s history. With James eyeing a 5th Championship, it would be interesting to see if LeBron passes up O’Neal in rings anytime soon.

About the author

Trikansh Kher

Trikansh Kher

Trikansh Kher is a writer at The Sports Rush. A lawyer by education, Trikansh has always been around sports. As a young track athlete Trikansh was introduced to basketball through 'street ball' mixtapes. He was hooked and it has been 'ball is life' ever since. Trikansh is a designer by profession, but couldn't keep away from basketball. A regular on the blacktop, his love for the game goes further than just hooping. If Trikansh isn't going through box scores for last night's game, you can find him in his studio working on his designs or playing squash at the local club.

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