Shaquille O’Neal Believes LeBron James is Not a Dirty Player but Supports Isaiah Stewart for Retaliating
Follow Us
The Los Angeles Lakers lost to the New York Knicks 106-100. While some stars did struggle, the big reason for the defeat was the absence of LeBron James. The ‘King’ was suspended for one game after his on-court altercation with Isiah Stewart during their match against the Detroit Pistons. However, while many believe Stewart overreacted, Shaq thinks otherwise and even supported Stewart’s actions.
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominating players in NBA history. The four-time champion gained his legendary stature, courtesy of his heroics in the league, which also made him a member of the hall of fame.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, back in his playing days, he was not a cool head on the floor, either. Shaq has had multiple altercations in his time, including one with fellow NBA on TNT analyst, Charles Barkley.
While reacting to the LeBron-Stewart Altercation, Shaq thought Stewart reacted just as any other person would. However, he doesn’t feel like LeBron is a dirty player either.
WATCH THIS STORY: NBA Players Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid & Others Share Their Opinion About the New Wilson Basketball
Shaquille O’Neal comments on the LeBron James-Isiah Stewart altercation
In a recent episode of NBA on TNT, Shaq opened up on LeBron James’ altercation with Stewart. While everyone else believed Stewart overreacted, Shaq was of a different opinion. He stated that Stewart reacted exactly as he should have after being hit in the face.
Shaq said, “LeBron’s been in the league what 17. 18 years, he’s never been that guy. Now Stewart reacted like he was supposed to react. You hit someone in the face…I wanna fight you.” Shaq further defended Stewart, saying, “Somebody hit you in the face you either got to hit him back or act like you want to hit him back. There’s only two options.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Trending
Billionaire Michael Jordan’s $61 Million Arrival in Talladega Saw Unusual Absence of Wife Yvette Prieto
April 22, 2024 03:36 PM EDT
Anthony Davis Storms Out Of Press Conference While De’Angelo Russell Takes NBA Refs To Task Online
April 23, 2024 07:51 AM EDT
What Happened to Kenny Smith’s Legs? Unfolding the Sad Truth Behind TNT Host’s Dodgy Knees
April 22, 2024 08:05 PM EDT
“You Can’t Get Mad”: NBA Vet Addresses the Caitlin Clark vs A’ja Wilson Signature Shoe Debate
April 21, 2024 03:00 PM EDT
Is Kawhi Leonard Playing Tonight? Clippers vs Mavs Injury Report Drops Ahead of NBA Playoff Game 2
April 23, 2024 11:59 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
"LeBron's been in the league 18, 17 years, he's never been that guy… But Stewart reacted like he was supposed to react."@SHAQ reacts to the LeBron-Isaiah Stewart altercation. pic.twitter.com/JVzoyD3Qb5
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) November 24, 2021
Fellow analyst Kenny Smith did not agree with Shaq’s take on the altercation. While he didn’t necessarily have a problem with the way he reacted, Kenny pointed out his reaction was not immediate. Right after the hit, when LeBron James tried to check up on Stewart, he went up to him and started talking, but he was calm and walked away, eventually. However, suddenly, Stewart went charging into LeBron, dropping anyone who tried to stop him.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
‘I’m Not Your Child’: Russell Westbrook Reveals Heated Conversation with Referee Which Led to a Technical Foul
The situation escalated from there on and things only got worse. Jamal Crawford even said that he has never seen Stewart react that way, ever. Reggie Miller believed the taste of blood is what got the fire going inside Isaiah Stewart. Looking at how it all went down, do you think Isaiah Stewart reacted in the right way? Let us know in the comments below.