The NBA In-Season Tournament had a host of doubters to begin with. But, with LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers taking home the grand prize, it has put the idea under a new microscope. However, due to the uncertain legacy around the tournament, its value remains in doubt. That is why Shaquille O’Neal isn’t fully certain of the weight that Tournament accomplishments would carry in history.

Speaking on the Rich Eisen show, the big man remains unsure about the tournament’s importance. With news breaking of the Lakers unveiling a banner for the proceedings, Shaq had to give his opinion on the decision. While initially reluctant to give a direct answer, he would eventually relent. “I think they should raise it.” 

His reasoning was pretty straightforward. “I think it’s the first inaugural In-Season Championship.” However, he still has doubts about its true importance. “I saw the celeb, I didn’t know the celebration was gonna be that big.”

“When I watched it on TV, I was saying to myself, ‘Wait, is this real?’…I asked Ernie [Johnson], Kenny [The Jet Smith], and Chuck [Charles Barkley] this question.” Ultimately, that question is the main debate regarding the weight of the entire matter. “So, with this championship. Let’s just say a person wins three In-Season Championships in a row, has a nice career, does that make them a Hall of Famer and a great player? They couldn’t answer.” 

As it happens, the In-Season Tournament did provide an exact blueprint for Shaq’s debate.

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Anthony Davis becomes the prototype for the Shaquille O’Neal discussion

The case of Anthony Davis could bring the entire discussion to light. He fits the mold of the debate that the TNT crew was engaging in. Despite having exquisite talent, the list of hardware for AD includes an NBA and an IST Championship. Even though he didn’t win MVP for either, his performances in both Finals were spectacular.

But, there is no way to know for certain until the tournament becomes an NBA staple. Then, its prestige and legacy could determine the value it holds in all-time arguments. However, in the present, a Championship ring could solidify the case that Shaq is making, and justify the banner, shrewd or not.

With Davis entering a dominant stretch, can the Lakers capitalize en route to a Championship?

Read More: “Admit When You Are Wrong”: Charles Barkley Backtracks on “The Stupidest Sh*t Ever” Claim on NBA IST Just to Laud Genius Adam Silver