NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal believes the Los Angeles Lakers will face early challenges under rookie head coach JJ Redick.
During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, O’Neal expressed doubts about how the Lakers will perform in the opening stages of Redick’s tenure.
Shaq explained that Redick, a first-time head coach, might struggle to gain immediate respect from his players. He suggested that this lack of respect could lead to difficulties for the Purple and Gold. “I think, personally, they gonna have a rough start,” O’Neal said, via Jesse Cinquini of Lakers Daily.
The former Lakers star emphasized that respect is key for a coach’s success, particularly when players believe they had better careers than their coach.
O’Neal pointed to veterans like LeBron James and Anthony Davis as essential figures in maintaining order, but he maintained that respect for Redick will be a challenge.
Shaq added, “If I’m a guy that’s played seven, eight years and I’m gettin’ a young coach who I think I was a better player than, it’s gon’ be a level of disrespect there.”
O’Neal’s comments underline the challenges Redick may face as he transitions from a former player to head coach of one of the NBA’s most storied franchises.
Redick, who had a lengthy NBA career as a sharpshooter, now faces the pressure of managing a team that has championship aspirations. O’Neal believes that if Redick earns respect, the Lakers could improve, but he predicts initial hurdles for the new coach.
