“They’re sensitive,” Shaquille O’Neal indirectly jabbed at Rudy Gobert during an episode of the OG podcast. For months, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has been outspoken about his disdain for Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert, sparking a feud that continues to captivate basketball fans. From questioning Gobert’s contract to ridiculing his skills, Shaq has made it clear that he doesn’t believe Gobert is worth the hype. However, in a recent twist, Shaq’s own son has offered a fresh perspective that sheds new light on the narrative.

In a recent interview with ClutchPoints, Shareef O’Neal was asked the question: “Which NBA player does your dad hate the most?” The 24-year-old instantly replied, “Like right now? I’m gonna say Rudy Gobert.” But no one could have anticipated what came after that. Despite acknowledging his father’s animosity, Shareef admitted in the interview, “Good guy though. I like Rudy, he’s a good guy. He seems cool.”

Shaq being a dominant force in the NBA during his prime, has never been one to mince words. The whole narrative started during an interview with ‘Complex‘ with his son Lyle. He was asked the question: Who is the worst player in the NBA? O’Neal, even though he was off by a few numbers, openly called out Gobert as the worst player for the money that he was making.

“I’m going to tell you why. Because if you sign a contract for 250, show me 250. There’s a reason why I walk funny, why I can’t turn my neck, and why I can’t do it because I played for my 120,” said Shaq during the interview.

The 32-year-old center secured a massive contract worth $205,000,002 for five years in 2022 when he was traded from the Utah Jazz to the Timberwolves. This contract also boosted Gobert’s name to appear in the list of the top 15 highest-paid players in the NBA. However, even though it was good news for the center, it certainly wasn’t good for the seven-footer. Moreover, Gobert has also been a 3x Defensive Player of the Year and a 6x All-NBA Defensive First Team selection. But according to the Lakers icon, Gobert wasn’t worthy of the titles.

“I never thought he was a great defensive player… See, what it is, there’s not a lot of centers that are making him play defense. Like, he’s not doing that s–t against Joker… He’s 7’6″, of course, if you lay it up, he’s going to block it,” said Shaq in an episode of his podcast.

Now despite the constant jabs from Big Diesel, Gobert is going strong in the season. Averaging 10.9 PPG, 10.4 RPG, and 1.6 BPG in 14 games so far, The center remains a defensive powerhouse and a crucial component of Minnesota’s playoff ambitions. But the Frenchman too did not stay silent.

“It is sad to see someone that has accomplished as much as you did, @SHAQ both in sport and business, still be triggered by another man’s finances and accomplishments,” said Gobert in response to Shaq’s criticisms through an X post.

While Shaq’s critique of Gobert is rooted in comparison to his own illustrious career, Shareef’s words remind us that every player’s journey is unique. However, this isn’t the only time the 24-year-old has made a decision that rivaled his father.

Shareef O’Neal’s choice for GOAT

Shareef O’Neal has forever been vocal about how he feels about his father, Shaquille O’Neal. Growing up under the shadow of an NBA legend, he often raved about Shaq’s dominance and tried to copy the larger-than-life approach to basketball. Despite this reverence, Shareef recently made waves with his GOAT choice.

In a recent TikTok video, Shareef was asked about his GOAT NBA player. While most might have anticipated that he would go for his father, but no, the young power forward added a twist to his choice. “Lebron James,” is what the Stockton Kings player said to the interviewer.

James, a 4x NBA champion and 4x MVP, averaged 27.1 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in his career. Younger generations, like Shareef, choose him because of the way he can adapt to multiple positions. By choosing LeBron as his GOAT, Shareef honors the legacy of a player who has redefined what it means to excel at the highest level of basketball. But what will happen when Shaq hears what Shareef thinks of Gobert? Only time will tell.