In recent years, the modern NBA has faced criticism for its style of play, heavy reliance on three-point shooting, and a perceived drop in physical intensity. Now, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal has added to that conversation with a scathing take on the mindset of current players.
“I love the game, but I don’t think the current players love the game,” Shaq said during a recent interview with USA Today Sports. “I think they love what they get out of the game,” he added, pointing to what he sees as an increased focus on money rather than basketball in today’s NBA.
“A lot of these guys want to make $200, $300 million, but they don’t give the fans what they deserve,” O’Neal explained. He went on to describe what he finds frustrating about the modern style of play: “Shoot a 100 threes rather than going to the hole and tearing the rim down. So, I don’t think they love the game. They love what they can get out of the game.”
Finally, the three-time champion with the Los Angeles Lakers compared his own mentality to that of the current generation. “See, I didn’t play for money. I played to have my name with the gods,” he said. “If you would’ve gave me $40,000 for 10 years, I still would have played.”
Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal at the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaq O’Neal showed what basketball meant to him
During his 19-year NBA career, no one could argue that Shaquille O’Neal didn’t do everything in his power to dominate. He made his name with the Orlando Magic early in his career, which opened the door for his move to the Lakers—where he reached legendary status.
see also
LeBron James or Stephen Curry? Shaquille O’Neal names the most influential player in the NBA
Shaq won three straight championships and Finals MVPs with Los Angeles from 2000 to 2002, and was also named league MVP in the first of those seasons. That run cemented his place among the greats, but he elevated his legacy further by helping the Miami Heat win their first-ever title in 2006.
How much did Shaquille O’Neal earn during his NBA career?
Beyond being one of the most dominant players of the late ’90s and 2000s, Shaquille O’Neal also turned his fame into fortune. During his NBA career, the former center earned an estimated $286 million in salary alone, not counting additional income from endorsements and investments.
Interestingly, his most lucrative stretch wasn’t with the Lakers, but rather during his time with the Miami Heat. He joined the team in the summer of 2004 and signed a five-year, $100 million contract. His highest-paid season came in 2004–05, when he made $27.7 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
