Shaquille O’Neal thinks the Lakers will have a “rough start” with their new head coach, JJ Redick (Image credits: Imagn)

Former NFL coach Chuck Pagano took an interest in Shaquille O’Neal‘s involvement with the LA Lakers, especially now that they have a new head coach. Given O’Neal’s history with the organization, the former coach wanted to know if he had any involvement in the recent moves the Lakers have made.

Over the summer, the Lakers hired JJ Redick as their head coach. After two seasons with Darvin Ham, the team decided to go a different path. Pagano was curious if O’Neal influenced the team’s decision-making and asked the former star about it on The Pat McAfee Show.

“The answer’s no, coach. That is the LeBron show, LeBron is in charge over there,” Shaquille O’Neal said. “I think personally, they’re gonna have a rough start. And what I mean by that, you know as a coach, it’s all about respect and if I’m a guy that’s played seven, eight years and I’m getting a young coach who I think I was a better player than, there’s gonna be a level of no disrespect there.

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“LeBron and AD will do a great job in keeping everybody in order. But if you really respect your coach, you really go out there and play hard.”

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Coaching the Lakers will be a first-time experience for Redick as a professional coach. His coaching experience before joining the Purple & Gold only extended to the elementary level. Having professional athletes will be a different experience for the former player-turned-coach.

The pressure is on Redick for next season. The Lakers still believe they have what it takes to contend for a championship. One of their significant changes was the coaching and not much on the roster.

Shaquille O’Neal wishes JJ Redick nothing but the best as the Lakers’ head coach

Having a coach with no prior experience isn’t the best formula for a team trying to contend for the championship. However, the Lakers believe that Redick has the leadership skills to make things work for the team.

Being a first-time coach will be a tough task for the team since he hasn’t done anything to prove himself to the players.

Shaquille O’Neal was asked what Redick could do to earn the player’s trust. According to Shaq, the new coach should take the time to learn about each individual and know what they like and what they don’t like.

Before ending the interview, the four-time champion wished the new coach nothing but the best.

“I like JJ, he’s a good friend of mine, I hope he can. The Lakers, I wish they would’ve gotten younger. I can’t wait to see LeBron and Bronny and all these guys. I wish him nothing but good luck.”

Redick has a lot to do to prove himself to the Lakers. Would he be able to accomplish all of it?