Shaquille O’Neal was a fierce competitor throughout his career, but he clearly understood the criticism. The Los Angeles Lakers legend was riddled with criticism throughout his playing career and certainly found a way around it. However, there were days when the Lakers legend wasn’t really in the best of the mood. In a recent episode of Inside the NBA, the seven-foot giant described what really irked him as a player in the NBA, and it wasn’t the criticism from the newspapers.

Shaq said he’d be furious at his own teammates if they criticized him behind his back. Especially, if they aren’t as talented as Stephen Curry.

Shaq’s anger would be difficult to deal with if a below-average teammate criticized him

In the recent episode of The Big Podcast, the crew was discussing how the Dallas Cowboys Twitter account tweeted out Dak Prescott’s mistakes which led to the loss against the San Francisco 49ers. The podcast Co-host Nischelle Turner wasn’t so impressed by the tweet. Subsequently, she asked Shaq how’d he feel if his team did the same to him.

“I’m hot, and we’re gonna handle that at the next team meeting.” said Shaq. He further added, “And then my thing is ‘if you ain’t playing the perfect Steph Curry type of game, don’t talk about what I do.’ and then ‘if you don’t tell me on my face and then tell them[media] we got a problem, cause I just saw you‘” The Lakers legend further went on to mention his plans for such an incident.

” ‘Next time I see you imma punch you right in the face’ ” said Shaq.

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The seven-foot legend explained to the co-hosts that these incidents have happened during his playing time. If one reminisces how short-tempered Shaq was at a time, it wouldn’t be a surprise.

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The Lakers legend has always been a fierce competitor and he saw it fit to snap back if he felt he was done wrong.

Shaquille O’Neal fought with teammates and coaches while standing his ground

The Big Aristotle himself narrates tons of stories of him fighting teammates. According to him, it is a part of being competitive. In the Draymond-Poole saga,  Shaq mentioned how “it happens” on a Championship team.

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In the recent documentary Shaq, it was revealed how the Lakers legend almost got into a fight with legendary coach Pat Riley over a disagreement.