It isn’t usual for Shaquille O’Neal to embrace a player from the new generation. Since retiring, we’ve seen the big man take shots and form rivalries with many current-day superstars. However, there have been exceptions to the rule. But, more importantly, when he does embrace a new athlete, he does it wholly and it is almost overwhelming. Whether it be in interviews or on NBA on TNT, the Los Angeles Lakers superstar is ready to defend his favorites.

That has been the case of his relationship with Nikola Jokic. However, the defending Champion might not be all aboard the love train.

Shaquille O’Neal continues lovefest with Nikola Jokic

Since his arrival as a bonafide superstar, Shaquille O’Neal has been firmly in the corner of Jokic. A far cry from his usual antagonistic tendencies, O’Neal has supported Nikola at every step of his career. This past season’s triumph for the Denver Nuggets cemented the validity of that love saga.

That championship also led to the 4-time Champion crowing The Joker as the newest member of the Big Man Alliance. But, Shaq’s admiration isn’t over. After the Nuggets’ dominant victory over Shaq’s own Lakers in the season opener, Diesel couldn’t help in spreading some more love towards the 2-time MVP.

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However, his love was mixed with some trademark hilarity. The Big Aristotle broke out into cries of “Volim Te” as the crowd was in full cheers when he explained that the phrase meant “I Love You” in Jokic’s native Serbian. Even The Joker had to crack a smile at the big man’s antics.

But, it seems like Nikola has some different tastes. Showing off his own wit, Nikola responded, “Next time try something different.” 

Of course, despite ESPN’s disrespect towards him, Jokic is at the center of the NBA world tonight. After a historic three-year stretch, the first night in the association showed us that the Serbian native is just getting started.

Nikola Jokic continues his ways in Game 1

The matchup between Denver and LA was one of the most anticipated in the entire calendar year. After a terrific Conference Finals series that saw arguably the biggest test to the Nuggets, the rivalry was just getting started.

Due to constant shots courtesy of Nuggets head coach Michael Malone, the animosity between the two sides continues to grow. As a result, even LeBron had to respond in a rare instance to the constant shots. With the Lakers out for revenge, it seemed like Denver might have bit off more than it could chew.

However, on opening night, its MVP was in peak form, recording yet another triple-double in a growing tally of them as the Nuggets were easily able to take care of the Lakers 119-107. With Jokic in peak form, perhaps it is time to join Shaq in acknowledging the Serbian as a generational talent.

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