LeBron James has done everything he can to help the Los Angeles Lakers’ cause this summer. This includes taking a $2.7 pay cut in order to give LA more roster flexibility. The NBA’s all-time leading scorer also took the forefront in the Lakers’ botched recruitment effort for Klay Thompson, which ultimately, did not go in their favor.
If you ask Lakers icon Shaquille O’Neal, however, the Hall of Fame big man has one major demand for LeBron this coming season if the 20-time All-Star truly wants to help his team succeed.
Los Angeles Lakers News: Shaq Wants LeBron James to Be Third Option
LeBron has been vocal about the Lakers being Anthony Davis’ team. In his mind, James has no issue becoming the No. 2 option behind LA’s cornerstone big man. According to Shaq, though, LeBron should also concede the second option role to Austin Reaves:
“If I was LeBron, being that I already have all the records, I would pass it to A.D.,” O’Neal said (h/t Peter Dewey of Lakers Daily). “I would demand A.D. — ’cause listen, LeBron can still do what he do, but, ‘I don’t need to have the ball all the time. I don’t need to score all the points. So, A.D. I need you to score all the points. Austin Reaves, you can be No. 2. I can just be the old Magic Johnson-style point guard and keep everybody involved and just keep this thing going.’”
That’s a big ask. However, knowing LeBron, he should be willing to make this sacrifice. After all, he is aware of the fact that both Davis and Reaves are more than capable of taking over a game when required.
For the Lakers, it’s not a bad idea having the NBA’s all-time leading scorer as the third option.
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