Shaquille O’Neal publicly challenged LeBron James on July 22, 2026, urging the four-time MVP to name his next team after parting ways with the Los Angeles Lakers.
O’Neal, a Hall of Famer who won three NBA championships with the Lakers, delivered what he called a “reality check,” telling James it is time to stop keeping the league in suspense and commit to his future destination. James, 41, has not yet announced where he will play next season, leaving front offices and fans across the NBA waiting for clarity.
During the exclusive conversation, O’Neal said he believed James should quickly settle on his preferred landing spot so that both the player and interested clubs can move forward with off-season planning. The Lakers great did not disclose whether he had spoken directly with James but emphasized that a prompt decision would benefit all parties involved.
James became an unrestricted free agent after opting out of the final year of his contract with Los Angeles. He averaged 25.1 points, 8.2 rebounds and 7.9 assists last season, his sixth with the franchise.
NBA executives have reportedly prepared multiple contingency plans while waiting on the league’s all-time leading scorer, whose choice could shift the balance of power for the 2026-27 campaign.
Source: New York Post
