The NBA playoffs are a big, big deal. The energy, the competition, every aspect of the game takes a new look with the increased pressure. The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Houston Rockets in Round 1 of their clash, advancing one more step closer to the NBA Championship. But to Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal, this high-stakes game seemed flat.

Without Kevin Durant on the floor for the Rockets, they succumbed against the Lakers, who were banking on the 41-year-old LeBron James. And, Luke Kennard’s 27-point heroics didn’t let the fans miss Luka Doncic or Austin Reaves, whose absences had fans concerned about their chances. In fact, the Purple and Gold were dominant from the very first minute. And, it was yet another occasion where King LeBron proved why he has that nickname. But O’Neal was not impressed.

“This does not feel like a playoff game. Feels like a regular season game,” O’Neal wrote on X.

The Lakers won 107–98 against the Rockets. The win came after a caliant effort from the purple and yellow. Kennard had begun his stint with the team only February of this year. And he showed why why he was brought in, at such a huge stage. He was for 9-for-13 on shooting and nailed all five of his three-pointers. Center Deandre Ayton was “speechless” after seeing Luke Kennard rack up all those points.

The Rockets were shut out by the Lakers’ defense, who could only reach a 37.6% average in shooting. The Lakers had more to lose in this matchup, being without their best players. But they defeated Houston with just 66 shot attempts, the fewest in the lague in the past three seasons. This was an exciting matchup through and through. That’s why fans got back at Shaquille O’Neal for his review of the game.

Fans call out Shaquille O’Neal

One fan commented, “It truly doesn’t feel like he’s an ex-Laker atp.” Shaq has played eight seasons in the Purple and Gold jersey. He has won three consecutive titles with the team from 2000 to 2002. He’s been in the playoffs enough times to know what it is like to play these games.. However, in recent times, O’Neal has emerged as a critic of the team. He doesn’t spare anyone. In fact, his frequent skepticism around Deandre Ayton has also caught attention.

“We seriously need to get rid of these old, bitter sacks of bones. Never heard one positive thing come out of these dudes’ mouths in years,” a fan fired at Shaq. O’Neal has repeatedly questioned the Los Angeles Lakers’ mentality, pointing to their inconsistent discipline and overreliance on talent and late-game rescues. Recently, he highlighted a near-collapse against the Denver Nuggets, arguing that championship teams close games early. They should not invite pressure in tight finishes.

On the other hand, another one wrote, “Wow, Shaq still holding that grudge, huh? Everyone knows there’s no arena like LA when the playoffs are in town.” Well, O’Neal says he does not carry lasting resentment toward the Los Angeles Lakers, even after his high-profile exit in 2004, and instead maintains a complicated but affectionate love-hate connection with both the franchise and its fanbase. It has caught fans’ attention multiple times.

“You never hear the NFL OG’s sh_g on the current NFL games, and only in the NBA you see and hear that, and that’s the difference and problem,” one user wrote. O’Neal is, of course, not the only NBA great who has criticized the modern NBA. However, NFL icons don’t criticize their sport as such. They do express problems within the team. But not football in itself.

“Is Shaq just like overwhelmingly depressed? All he does is hate on everything?” another fan wrote. The game also so Bronny James making his playoff debut, playing with his legendary father. There’s got to be some excitement in seeing the duo on the court, at such a crucial time in the season! Not everything was off!

“Shaq is the only former Laker I really have no love for. Bro really turned h– and I hate to see it,” one disappointed fan wrote. When a former hero of your favorite team downplays them, you’re going to feel a little bad. The Lakers have yet another win. Why not celebrate that?