Having a Purple and Gold heart, Shaquille O’Neal is often rooting for his Los Angeles Lakers. The franchise he won three straight chips with is currently struggling. In an attempt to make amends, the 17-time champs made heavy changes to their roster. Several key role players made their way into the storied franchise. However, Shaq wasn’t aware of one certain star. That quickly changed after he watched some Laker games. Going back on his word, The Big Diesel apologized for not being familiar with his game. Unfortunately, he made a mistake in his very name which prompted Kevin Durant to correct him.

The Lakers’ first sign of movement came with the trade for Rui Hachimura. They brought in the latter from the Washington Wizards. During a segment of Inside the NBA, Charles Barkley was a man of full surprise as he praised the Lakers. Shockingly, this time Shaq pointed the barrel at his franchise. His wish: for the Lakers to go for Bradley Beal.

Defending his move, the four-time champion said, “If you ain’t a top 10 player, I don’t know who you are.” But after watching Hachimura’s two-way impact, the former Lakers center went back and apologized. But Shaq might have disrespected him even further.

Kevin Durant corrects Shaquille O’Neal for grave apology error

While on a recent edition of his podcast, Shaq issued a rightful apology to the Laker’s new recruit. Hachimura who is averaging 10.7 points per contest impressed the 7-foot giant. It even got The Big Diesel to compare the 25-year-old to his former teammate, Rick Fox. However, it seems Shaquille O’Neal still doesn’t know his first name even now.

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The Hall of Fame center said, “Let me apologize to Rudy Hachimura. I didn’t know who he was, because I never watch the bull play, but he’s a fine role-player … So, Rudy Hachimura, I apologize. I didn’t know who you were. I know (who) you are now, and I wish you well” It was later that guest host Candance Parker corrected The Big Diesel and made him aware of the right name.

KD once again had to step in and take a dig at Shaq. Moreover, even the fans went ballistic as the three-time Finals MVP butchered even an apology.

Hachimura and the new-looking Lakers have looked in sync after a few games together. In their recent win against the New Orleans Pelicans, they held their opponents to just 102 points. The dominant 18-point win saw LeBron James and Anthony Davis lead from the front. With a new starting lineup, the Purple and Gold seemed to be at their vintage best on both sides of the floor.

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To make the play-in, the 2020 champions will need a herculean effort. With 23 games in hand, do you think the Lakers will make the comeback possible? Let us know your views in the comments below.