Shaquille O'Neal on facing criticism during his stint with LA Lakers: “I can eat 50 burgers right now and bust Rudy Gobert's a**”
Throughout his illustrious career, Shaquille O'Neal was one of the most competitive players in basketball. That fire still burns bright to this day.
O'Neal was a dominant force from the moment he stepped foot on an NBA court. He was drafted first overall in the 1992 draft and hit the ground running. In his rookie season with the Orlando Magic, O'Neal won the 1992-93 Rookie of the Year award. During that season, Shaq averaged 23.4 points, 13.9 rebounds and 3.5 blocks per game.
While Shaq was blossoming during his time with the Orlando Magic, his tenure with the LA Lakers made him a superstar. O'Neal joined the Lakers in 1996. It didn't take long before the 7-foot-1, 325-pound big man was taking over the entire league.
Although Shaq dominated with the Lakers, he also drew plenty of criticism. This came mainly due to the fact that O'Neal appeared to come into seasons out of shape numerous times. Speaking recently with Jack Holmes, O'Neal talked about how the critics "had no idea what they were talking about."
Shaquille O'Neal said he could still dominate NBA players at this point in his life:
"Every training’s different. My thing is, even now, I don't have to train for you. Game is here. I can eat 50 burgers right now and bust Rudy Gobert's a**. I'm telling you. Because it's the mentality, right? And then, when you took the beating I took, I’ve got to rest, I’ve got to recover, I’ve got to get off painkillers, right?
"And then when it comes time to train, I know what to do, I know how to do it. People always say, "You came in out of shape." I'm like, "What year you talking about? Give me a year. Was it 2000, when I got the MVP? Was it 2001? What year are you talking about? '96 through 2000, when I came in shape, we got our ass whooped."
For the first time, the Lakers legend recalls his narrow escape from death as a teenager. Plus, he says he could get out on the court right now and “bust Rudy Gobert’s ass”—and he means it. esqr.co/sj5YGwE
Shaquille O'Neal comments on career with LA Lakers
There's always been plenty of criticism when it comes to Shaquille O'Neal and his tenure with the LA Lakers. Regardless of those doubters, O'Neal was still a showstopping big man for the Lakers.
Shaq played eight seasons in a Lakers uniform. During that span, the talented big man averaged 27.0 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 2.5 bpg. He also brought home the 1999-2000 MVP award as well as three straight championships.
“How dominant was Shaq?” https://t.co/Fu7CsbZaCx
The game of basketball may never see a unique talent like O'Neal again. He was a force around the basket, imposing his will with his power and strength. O'Neal's conditioning may have drawn doubters, but his performance was still jaw-dropping.