One of the most surprising storylines in the modern NBA is the continued dominance of Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James, who remains a force on the court at 40 years old. But not everyone sees this as a purely positive reflection of his greatness. Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal recently weighed in, arguing that LeBron’s longevity is as much a product of the NBA’s evolution as it is of his talent.
Speaking on his “BIG” podcast, O’Neal didn’t hold back when addressing the current state of the league. According to the Hall of Fame center, the NBA has become significantly less physical—creating an environment where veterans can thrive longer than ever before. “Definitely,” O’Neal said when asked if the physical decline of the game has benefited LeBron.
“Less physical. Right now, you get a flagrant foul, you get fined and suspended. Guys ain’t even fouling hard anymore. Before I played, it was crazy. And even when I did, it was still physical. In the ’80s and ’90s, it was another level.”
He went on to criticize the current basketball culture for lacking toughness and intensity. “You want me to give these mo****ers the same props you giving them? That s***t will never happen,” Shaq said bluntly. “If you ain’t f***ng great and I’m great, how am I hating on you? I’m in the building. You’re not.”
LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center.
Contrasting past and present: the evolution of physicality and player longevity
LeBron James‘ ability to remain elite into his 40s has reignited a long-standing debate in basketball circles: Is his durability a testament to his unmatched greatness, or does it also expose how much the NBA has changed over the decades?
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Back in the 1980s and ’90s, the league was defined by bruising defense, hand-to-hand combat in the paint, and a nightly grind that often shortened careers. Players like Charles Oakley, Dennis Rodman, and Bill Laimbeer turned physicality into an art form, and teams embraced toughness as part of their identity. Shaquille O’Neal, who dominated in the post during the 2000s, echoed this sentiment. “I’ve seen what greatness is—I played with them. I don’t see that all the time over there,” he said, referencing today’s stars.
The softness of the present NBA
In contrast, the current NBA places a premium on speed, spacing, and player safety. Rule changes have curbed hand-checking, reduced physical post play, and increased the frequency of flagrant fouls. Players now benefit from advanced sports science, load management, and year-round conditioning that would have been unheard of two decades ago. All of this has allowed veterans like LeBron to extend their careers—and thrive longer than most would have imagined possible in previous eras.
While fans may marvel at LeBron’s unprecedented run, critics like Shaq continue to challenge the narrative. They argue that longevity in today’s NBA can’t be fully appreciated without acknowledging the league’s softer edge. Whether it’s evolution or erosion depends on perspective—but there’s no question the game has changed.
