We’re a long way from NBA playoff time, but already our man Shaq is talking about the team he’s going to be cheering for this year. And surprise, surprise, it’s not his former team (or ANY of his former teams), and that includes the Los Angeles Lakers.
Nope, O’Neal says he won’t be pulling for the Lakers, but will instead be watching and rooting for another California team. Just up the coast from Los Angeles…Shaq likes the Golden State Warriors this season.
Surprising? Maybe. On his own podcast recently, Shaq talked about the name change for the arena formerly known as the Staples Center, now to be named the Crypto.com Arena. (You can check a previous ShaqFu Radio blog post about that name change, and why Shaq thinks the change is a good idea.)
Still, when talking about the Staples / Crypto.com facility, Shaq said he doesn’t even go to games in that building any more. His words: “Who want to watch them people play?”
In case you haven’t been checking rankings and the stats, here’s the basics: The Lakers have been – shall we say? – less than stellar this year. As of this post date, the team is sitting right at .500, with a record fo 13-13 and a recent loss the the up-and-coming Memphis Grizzlies.
After a slow start, LeBron James has managed to put his foot on the gas a bit more recently, but it’s only helped a little bit. The Warriors on the other hand are having a great season. Again, as of this writing, the Warriors are only a half game behind the Western Division-leading Phoenix Suns.
More from Shaq: “I don’t celebrate seventh place (where the Lakers are at right now) at all. I celebrate Steph Curry. That’s who I celebrate. I can go to Golden State and watch him play.”
So… Is O’Neal throwing a little shade to maybe, hopefully get the Lakers to step it up? Maybe. Still, if somebody offered you tickets to either the Lakers or the Warriors, we’re guessing that (just like the staff here at ShaqFu Radio), you’re picking up those Warriors tickets.
As for the Warriors and their superstar Steph Curry, the engine is firing on all cylinders. Curry putting up an MVP-caliber season — ESPN recently reported that 94 out of 100 NBA insiders surveyed would award MVP to Curry. If you’ve been paying attention at all, you also know that Steph is right on the brink of making league history for the most 3-pointers in NBA history. (History! That’s forever, people.)
Meanwhile, down in the City of Angels, it’s definitely a toss-up as to what kind of team is going to show up for tonight’s games. Carmelo Anthony, Russell Westbrook and Dwight Howard… They’re not getting any younger, and neither is LeBron, even with his superstar talents.
Yes, Shaq has always been a Curry fan. He’s just turning it up to 11 this season. Time and games will tell if the Lakers can make a serious playoff run. Meanwhile, break out the popcorn and enjoy cheering for your favorite squad. We all know who Shaq’s going to be rooting for.