Shaquille O'Neal reveals his first reaction after LA Lakers traded for Rui Hachimura: "Who the f*ck is that?!"
Since the start of the 2022-23 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal has insisted that the LA Lakers are a few players away from becoming a legit title contender. LA’s terrible start and the up-and-down play of several role players only reinforced Shaq’s comments.
The Lakers tried to address their shortcomings by trading Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks for Washington Wizards forward Rui Hachimura. O’Neal didn’t know about the deal until an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq started rolling.
Here’s Shaquille O'Neal's reaction after co-host Nischelle Turner informed him of the Lakers’ latest trade:
(25:50 mark)
“I don’t know who the f**k that is. Who the f**k is that?! Excuse my French, like, come on, Rob! We’re trying to win championships. Who is that, seriously? Can he play? I ain’t even heard of him. … My Lakers, we are all about winning them championships."
The Washington Wizards picked Rui Hachimura out of Gonzaga as the No. 9 pick of the 2019 NBA Draft. He is a versatile 6’8 forward who plays good defense and has a decent shot from behind the arc. Last season, he averaged 44.7% from deep.
Considering the Lakers gave up Kendrick Nunn, an oft-used guard and three second-round picks, one could argue that Rob Pelinka got it right. Shaquille O’Neal could appreciate Hachimura’s size and length, especially since the Lakers have a guard-heavy lineup.
The Japanese basketball star will be another body to throw at some of the elite wing players such as Kawhi Leonard and bigger guards like Luka Doncic.
RUI HACHIMURA FIRST BUCKET FOR THE LAKERS 💜💛🇯🇵 https://t.co/ekKYUdazrw
Shaquille O'Neal, though, isn’t even nearly impressed with Pelinka’s move. The Lakers' general manager, however, still has “unfinished business,” which could mean more deals before the trade deadline.
Shaquille O'Neal will be impressed if the LA Lakers can get Bradley Beal
The LA Lakers acquired Russell Westbrook from the Washington Wizards two seasons ago. They should be interested in getting another star from the same franchise if Shaquille O'Neal’s wish has to be granted.
Here’s the four-time champ's suggestion on who Pelinka should pursue:
(26:59 mark)
“So, if it ain’t no piece that can win championships, I don’t wanna see it. I don’t even know who that is. Wanna impress me? You should have said Bradley Beal, if you wanna impress me. Come on, Rob!”
Bradley Beal is Washington’s best player and one of the NBA’s best scorers. He is averaging 22.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 5.1 assists. Beal is a prototype two-guard who can light up the score sheet. Alongside LeBron James and Anthony Davis, he’ll have more opportunities to get buckets.
The three-time All-Star, however, signed a massive five-year $251 million contract with the Wizards in the offseason. He is the only player with a no-trade clause in the NBA, which means Washington needs his approval before he is moved to another team.
When you want BRADLEY BEAL but the wizards gave you this https://t.co/LTxdjMs35s
That special agreement doesn’t seem like a big hurdle if the LA Lakers and the Washington Wizards can agree. Bradley Beal insisted before signing a contract that he still wants to win. He will be closer to that objective with “King James” and Anthony Davis.
Shaquille O'Neal’s team is all about championships. LeBron James’ passionately asserted that his DNA is all about winning titles. Acquiring Beal should be a big step in that direction.
Any trade involving Bradley would mean shipping leading Sixth Man of the Year contender Russell Westbrook back to Washington. It will also likely include the Lakers’ two future first-round picks, which Pelinka has been reluctant to give away.