Shaquille O'Neal defends LeBron James: "He is building a legacy"

LeBron James' move to the Philadelphia 76ers continues to stir up a storm in the NBA, but he is now receiving significant support from one of the greatest basketball players of all time. Shaquille O'Neal addressed the criticism surrounding James' decision to join the Sixers and rejected claims that it is a move solely aimed at "chasing another championship ring."

According to O'Neal, in LeBron's case, it is a completely different move. He explained that James has already proven himself throughout his career, won championships with different clubs, and established his status as one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Therefore, he argues, the move to Philadelphia does not stem from a need to prove something, but from the desire to continue competing and help another team fight for the title.

O'Neal distinguished between players who join a strong team to win their first championship, and stars who have already established their status and are trying to extend their career at the highest levels. According to him, LeBron has already taken the hard road: he won championships with Miami, returned to Cleveland and led it to a historic championship, and later added a title in Los Angeles as well.

Despite his advanced age, James is still considered one of the most influential players in the league. Last season with the Lakers, he averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds per game, figures that demonstrate that even at the late stage of his career, he is capable of influencing the game at the highest levels.

For Philadelphia, this is also a significant move. The Sixers are coming off a disappointing season that ended in a painful sweep in the Eastern Conference semifinals against the New York Knicks. LeBron's addition gives the team experience, leadership, and playmaking ability, but does not guarantee immediate success in the fight for the championship.

O'Neal also referred to his own experience at the end of his career, when he joined the Boston Celtics in an attempt to win another ring. He admitted that at that stage, he no longer sought to be the main star, but to contribute to a strong team and try to add another achievement to his career.

In concluding his remarks, O'Neal asked to remind how rare LeBron's career is and how important it is to appreciate it as long as it lasts:

"People don't understand that when it's over for him, it's over. There will never be another LeBron."