Shaquille O'Neal has spoken out against the criticism LeBron James has faced for joining the Philadelphia 76ers, a move many have labeled as "ring chasing." O'Neal, a four-time NBA champion himself, defended James' decision, drawing a parallel to his own career.
James, who will turn 42 in December, has secured four NBA championships across three different teams. His recent decision to sign a two-year, $8 million contract with the 76ers has ignited debate, with some suggesting it provides him an easier path to another title late in his career. However, O'Neal argued that such criticism is unwarranted.
"I don't like y'all calling my man a ring chaser," O'Neal said, referencing James, during a recent appearance on "The Stephen A. Smith Show." He suggested that the label often comes from those who haven't achieved similar success. "No, he's continuous chasing, he's chasing the chance to continue to be great, to continue to add legacy to his book."
O'Neal elaborated on his perspective, stating, "When this thing is over, it's over, you can't come back. Once you retire, once your body says it can't go no more, it's over. This guy feels he has two or three years left, why not try and get another championship?"
He further shared his own experience: "I did it, I did it with Boston. I won three in a row and then won one in Miami. At the end of my career, let me go play with Paul [Pierce] and KG (Kevin Garnett) and see if I can win one."
James is set to join a 76ers roster that includes Joel Embiid, Jaylen Brown, and Tyrese Maxey. While this new lineup could form a formidable force in the Eastern Conference, the ultimate success of the team, and James' legacy within it, will be determined during the upcoming postseason.