Shaquille O’Neal is not happy with the LA Lakers, ‘I’m a little upset

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant players in NBA history and a Los Angeles Lakers legend, has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. Whether it’s through his media appearances, his role as an analyst on *Inside the NBA*, or his unfiltered social media presence, Shaq’s opinions carry weight. Recently, the Hall of Famer expressed his dissatisfaction with the Lakers organization, stating plainly, *“I’m a little upset.”* The comment has sparked conversations among fans and analysts alike, raising questions about what exactly has the Big Aristotle so displeased with the franchise he helped lead to three consecutive championships in the early 2000s.

To understand Shaq’s frustration, one must first recognize his deep connection to the Lakers. From 1996 to 2004, O’Neal was the centerpiece of one of the most dominant dynasties in NBA history. Alongside Kobe Bryant, he formed a nearly unstoppable duo that brought three titles to Los Angeles (2000, 2001, 2002) and cemented his place as one of the greatest Lakers of all time. His departure in 2004 was messy, marred by public feuds with Bryant and then-general manager Mitch Kupchak, but time has softened those wounds. In recent years, Shaq has been celebrated as a Lakers icon, with his jersey retired and his contributions honored.

Yet, despite the love he receives from fans, it seems O’Neal feels a disconnect with the current Lakers organization. His recent comments suggest that there may be unresolved issues or perhaps a lack of recognition that he believes he deserves.

While Shaq hasn’t gone into exhaustive detail about his grievances, his statement hints at a few possible sources of frustration.

1. **Lack of Involvement in Lakers Affairs**
Many former franchise legends remain closely tied to their teams, whether in advisory roles, front-office positions, or as ambassadors. Magic Johnson, for example, has had an on-again, off-again executive role with the Lakers. Kobe Bryant, before his tragic passing, was a mentor to younger players and a respected voice within the organization. Shaq, despite his larger-than-life personality and basketball IQ, hasn’t been given a formal role with the Lakers since his retirement.

Given his success and stature, it’s possible that Shaq feels overlooked. He has expressed interest in ownership stakes in the past—most notably with the Sacramento Kings and Orlando Magic—but has never been seriously linked to a position with the Lakers. If the organization hasn’t sought his input or involvement, it’s understandable why he might feel slighted.The Lakers have been a rollercoaster since LeBron James arrived in 2018. While they won a championship in the 2020 bubble, the years since have been plagued by inconsistency, poor roster construction, and early playoff exits. As someone who helped build a dynasty, Shaq may be frustrated with how the team has been managed.

He has never been afraid to critique the Lakers publicly, whether it’s questioning coaching decisions, roster moves, or the team’s overall direction. If he feels the franchise is straying from the winning culture he helped establish, his “little upset” remark could be a reflection of deeper disappointment.Shaq is a proud man who values recognition. He has spoken in the past about how slights—real or imagined—motivated him throughout his career. Whether it’s his standing in the all-time greats debate, his rivalry with Kobe, or his place in Lakers lore, Shaq cares deeply about his legacy.

If he feels the Lakers haven’t done enough to honor his contributions—whether through tributes, acknowledgments, or inclusion in key decisions—it could explain his discontent. Given that he remains one of the most visible and vocal former players in the NBA, any perceived disrespect would undoubtedly sting.

Shaq’s frustration with the Lakers isn’t happening in a vacuum. Over the years, he has had complicated relationships with multiple teams he played for, including the Orlando Magic (where he began his career) and the Miami Heat (where he won his fourth title). His time with the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics was less memorable, but his strongest ties remain with the Lakers.

Yet, despite any issues, Shaq has always maintained a larger-than-life presence in the NBA world. His post-retirement career as an analyst, entrepreneur, and pop culture figure has kept him in the spotlight. But for someone who thrived on competition and camaraderie, perhaps nothing replaces the feeling of being an integral part of a team—especially one as storied as the Lakers.

So far, the Lakers organization has remained silent on Shaq’s comments. Given his status, however, it’s unlikely they’ll ignore the situation entirely. The team has a history of embracing its legends, and if Shaq is indeed seeking a more active role, they may consider bringing him into the fold in some capacity.

Alternatively, this could simply be Shaq voicing a momentary frustration—something he’s done many times before. His personality is such that he speaks his mind in the moment, and while his words carry weight, they don’t always indicate a long-term rift.

Shaquille O’Neal’s impact on the Lakers is undeniable. His dominance in the paint, his charisma, and his role in delivering championships make him an all-time great. If he feels the Lakers aren’t giving him his due, he has every right to express that.

At the same time, the Lakers are an organization in transition, trying to balance honoring their past while competing in the present. Whether Shaq’s “little upset” remark leads to a deeper conversation or fades away remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: when the Big Diesel speaks, people listen. And if the Lakers are smart, they’ll find a way to keep one of their most iconic figures happy.

After all, you don’t want a disgruntled Shaq—because when motivated, he was unstoppable. And even in retirement, his voice still shakes the NBA world.