Without a real recruit for this summer, the Lakers are worrying fans before the NBA resumes.
Shaquille O’Neal is closely following the current state of the franchise and it’s fair to say that he is rather pessimistic for the future. But fans don’t necessarily agree.
While the Lakers are still officially aiming for the NBA title , the franchise has made some surprising choices this offseason.
No major recruits to boost the roster, aside from Dalton Knecht and Bronny James via the draft, while JJ Redick was hired as coach.
A coach with no experience in the league and yet, the front remains confident.
That enthusiasm isn’t shared by everyone today. Many fear the worst for this campaign, which would be a huge waste for one of LeBron James’ final seasons.
Should Rob Pelinka act? Fans think so, but Shaquille O’Neal may be more worried about the new coach.
Shaquille O’Neal pays the Lakers again
Did the Los Angeles make the right choice with Redick? While many want to wait before making a decision, others say the former player is a bad choice, at least at this stage of his new career.
Shaq is no exception, who believes the Lakers will botch their start to the season, as he stated on a recent show.
Shaquille O’Neal : “The answer is no, there’s no coach there. It’s LeBron’s show, he’s in charge. I personally think the Lakers are going to have a rough start. When I say that, you know that with a coach, there’s a question of respect. But if I’m a guy who played 7/8 years and I find myself with a young coach when I think I’m better than the player he was, there’s bound to be a lack of respect.”
For Shaq, Redick doesn’t have what it takes to make it as a coach. Not necessarily because of his choices, his systems or what he wants to put in place, but simply because he won’t have the respect of the other players.
“Shaq is wrong. JJ will be fine. Yes LeBron played a role (in his arrival) and he is the leader, but if JJ does his job properly, it will work. Bron is not a coach killer.”
For Shaquille O’Neal, it’s clear that the Lakers made the wrong choice in signing JJ Redick, a coach who will have a hard time finding respect in the locker room. A rather critical opinion that implies that players will sow discord. The fans do not agree.
