Shaquille O’Neal Light-Heartedly Taunts Mike Bibby Over 2002 Series During Podcast Appearance
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NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal revisited one of the most heated playoff showdowns in Los Angeles Lakers history when he appeared on former Sacramento Kings guard Mike Bibby’s “Straight Game Podcast” on Aug. 25, 2025. The three-time Finals MVP jokingly needled Bibby about the 2002 Western Conference Finals, a series the Lakers won on their way to a third consecutive championship.
O’Neal anchored the Lakers’ title runs in 2000, 2001 and 2002, each time eliminating the Kings on the Western Conference side of the bracket. Sacramento’s roster, led by Chris Webber and supported by Peja Stojaković, Doug Christie and Vlade Divac, added Bibby after losses to Los Angeles in the 2000 first round and 2001 West semifinals. With Bibby at point guard, the Kings advanced to the 2002 West Finals, but again fell to the Lakers in a series later clouded by officiating controversy involving referee Tim Donaghy.
More than two decades later, the rivalry has cooled. Bibby took over as head coach of Sacramento State’s men’s basketball program earlier this year, while O’Neal serves as the school’s general manager. Their shared responsibilities in Northern California have turned past tension into friendly banter, as evidenced by O’Neal’s good-natured trolling on the podcast.
LeBron James Sends Message to Next Generation
While O’Neal and Bibby reflect on old battles, Lakers star LeBron James is gearing up for his 23rd NBA season, which will set the league record for most seasons played. Despite the mileage, the 40-year-old forward remains an All-NBA performer and is chasing his fifth championship in 2025-26.
James has embraced a mentorship role similar to the one Kobe Bryant held late in his career, guiding younger teammates while still competing at the highest level. With newly acquired Luka Dončić now in Los Angeles, James hopes to prepare the 26-year-old guard for the pressures of wearing a Lakers uniform.
After two decades in the league, James recently offered advice to aspiring athletes, encouraging them to stay focused and committed as they pursue their own careers.
Source: Lakers Nation
