"Everything goes through LeBron" - Shaq doesn't believe LeBron had nothing to do with JJ Redick's Lakers hiring

shaquille-oneal-lebron-james

Ever since JJ Redick emerged as a potential candidate for the Los Angeles Lakers head coaching job, many felt his podcast co-host LeBron James had something to do with it. However, after joining the organization, the retired sharpshooter said he and The King hadn't talked to each other until thirty minutes after JJ took the deal.

Very few believed Redick's words. Shaquille O'Neal certainly didn't.

"Yeah, I'm starting a website called, 'Yeah, right backslash ****. com,'" O'Neal said on his podcast. "Everything goes through LeBron at the Lakers. I know that for a fact because when you're in that position as leadership, you get to know everything."

Shaq underscored the chain of order

James' influence on the franchise extends off the court, especially when it comes to building a competent roster to chase the organization's 18th NBA championship.

'Diesel' knows that from his experience, highlighting how franchise cornerstones are historically consulted about major organizational decisions. This makes it impossible that the 20-time All-Star was not involved in the coaching selection process.

"I was in that seat for a long time nothing went without my permission. The only time something went down without my permission is when they cut my head and traded me, and then Kobe took over. And then nothing went down without his permission," he said. "So everything that goes on is definitely discussed with LeBron and Rich and those guys."

Nevertheless, O'Neal acknowledged the professionalism behind Redick's public stance, showing respect for the newly appointed head coach's discretion in discussing this matter.

Shaq on Redick's biggest challenge

When addressing JJ's appointment as the Lakers' head coach, Shaq claimed he knew about the decision from the outset. However, with what he has seen over the past few seasons, 'The Big Aristotle' underscored that the biggest challenge for Redick will be earning respect in the locker room full of players he recently competed against.

Based on his introductory press conference, the former Duke standout seems confident he's up for the task. However, not everyone is as optimistic as Redick, with many saying he might've bitten off more than he can chew.