Impressing Shaquille O’Neal, the four-time NBA Champion and ‘NBA On TNT’ analyst, can be a herculean task. O’Neal has been out for a particular Japanese player in the league ever since he was cast into the spotlight. Despite the enormous potential the player displays, Shaq doesn’t seem interested. In a recent episode of his podcast, the Los Angeles Lakers legend continued to dismiss the Japanese star.

Being someone of O’Neal’s stature and having a long list of accomplishments under his belt, it usually takes something remarkable to grab the 7’1 legend’s attention. Shaq being a perfectionist doesn’t help out either.

Shaquille O’Neal isn’t a huge fan of a Lakers star

Rui Hachimura, who started his NBA career with the Washington Wizards, put up some outstanding performances for the Los Angeles Lakers in the postseason. Despite having limited postseason experience, the 25-year-old forward led the team with 29 points on 11-of-14 shooting in Game 1 of the First round. He also added six rebounds after coming off the bench. Hachimura claims that since joining the Lakers in January, the coaching staff has assisted him in developing his confidence. He has developed as a player, as seen by his versatility and scoring ability and his pivotal role in the Lakers’ playoff run. However, everyone isn’t impressed with his run.

In a recent episode of his podcast, ‘The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal’, Shaq cast Rui Hachimura aside. Co-host Spice Adams bought up how Gilbert Arena said that D’Angelo Russell needs to go ahead and just pack his bags. Shaquille O’Neal then shared his insights on this.

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He said, “Listen, the game is easy. There’s two type of players. There’s a guy that gets all the credit and God has to do most of the work. And then there’s the others that live off of that. With LeBron and A.D. getting all the attention and you’re not paying attention to me,  and you’re a player you’re supposed to be shining. Ruchi Hachimura was shining. “

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Shaquille O’Neal faced the wrath of the NBA World after Hachimura take

Rui Hachimura created basketball history by becoming the first person born in Japan to play for the Los Angeles Lakers in their 113-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Although it was a historic occasion, the 50-year-old NBA Hall of Famer and TNT broadcaster brushed off the acquisition of Rui Hachimura.

He admitted on a TNT postgame program ahead of the game that he was unfamiliar with Hachimura. He said, “ My Lakers, we are all about winning championships, I don’t even know who that is. One that impresses me is Bradley Beal, you wanna impress me? That’s all I got I don’t even know who the f**k that is.” 

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Shaquille O’Neal didn’t seem too happy with the trade. However, he later got on his podcast to apologize to the player. At least he tried to. While apologizing to the player, he referred to Hachimura as Rudy Hachimura, incorrectly pronouncing his name. Shaq revealed that he didn’t know who he was as he was never watched the Bullets(Washington Wizards) play. He did, although agreed that Rui is a ‘fine role player.‘ He ended his apology by stating that he now knew who Hachimura was and that he wished him well. What are your thoughts on Shaq’s latest take on Hachimura? Let us know in the comments.