Shaquille O'Neal believes LeBron James' next NBA decision is driven by his pursuit of another championship, and he thinks a return to the Cavaliers would provide the perfect storyline.
Like anybody else, Shaquille O'Neal is closely tuned in to the frenzied free agency situation of LeBron James in this year's offseason.
LeBron James
Position SF
Age 41
Height 206 cm
Weight 113 kg
Birth place Akron, United States of America
As such, regardless of where the four-time MVP might go, O'Neal is convinced that James will pick a team that will help him win his fifth NBA championship.
"Knowing LeBron, he is going to go somewhere he can win another ring—Miami, Golden State, maybe even Philly," O'Neal said in a recent appearance on "Extra's." "What we realized toward the end of our careers is that once we're done, we can never play again. You never want to retire and say, 'I should have done this, I should have done that.' He still has two or three years left, I think, so kudos to him for trying to align himself with a team where he can win another championship.
"A lot of haters call it ring chasing, but you're supposed to chase rings because if you chase rings and accomplish getting them, that's what we call greatness. Those who haven't achieved greatness call it ring chasing because they haven't achieved greatness."
Right now, amid the anticipation and long wait of the entire basketball world, James is completely taking his time to decide regarding his next NBA team. As previously reported, money is not an issue for James in picking his next destination.
The likes of the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat, Philadelphia 76ers, Golden State Warriors and the Minnesota Timberwolves have consistently emerged as prominent suitors for the future Hall of Famer.
Shaquille O'Neal discusses LeBron James Lakers exit, potential Cavs reunion
LeBron James' free agency saga instantly ignited following his shocking exit from the Los Angeles Lakers. After eight seasons serving as the face of the franchise, James formally informed the Lakers that he would not be returning as an unrestricted free agent.
From the point of view of another Lakers legend, Shaquille O'Neal believes that both sides only reached the end of the road, with LA pivoting towards a new era headlined by Luka Doncic.
"Well, it's not about time to leave the Lakers," O'Neal stated when asked if it was only time for LeBron to leave. "In the business of basketball, the franchises are always going to do what's best for them. They wanted to go a little bit younger, and everybody knows when LeBron is on the team, he pretty much has control of who, what, how, and when. So, they wanted to part ways.
As far as what he thinks would be the best team for his former teammate, O'Neal claimed that a potential second reunion with the Cleveland Cavaliers makes a lot of sense for James.
"I wouldn't mind seeing him go back home to Cleveland," O'Neal argued. "Starting in Cleveland, ending in Cleveland, especially if they win, would be a historical way to close the chapter of your career.
"But I wish him well. Every team he goes to, I know it's going to be exciting, and I hope he can win his fifth ring."
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