Shaquille O’Neal Urges Lakers Supporting Cast to Elevate Game
In a recent statement, former Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal emphasized the need for current players Austin Reaves, D’Angelo Russell, and Rui Hachimura to step up and assist basketball icons LeBron James and Anthony Davis.
“The pressure is on LeBron and A.D., but as a professional player, with guys leaving you wide open, you have to step up,” O’Neal said. “Rick Fox and Derek Fisher used to be pissed off if they missed open shots. They knew they had to knock those down. So, again, the others have to step up. Listen, you got A.D. playin’ fabulous — I’m on A.D.’s case all the time. LeBron playin’. But Reaves gotta play spectacular. D’Angelo gotta play spectacular.
Rui Hachimura gotta play spectacular. And they have to take advantage of the — you playing with two of the greatest players ever. You have room to operate. So, if you got room to operate, be aggressive and operate. You can’t always wait on them, and sometimes, you gotta do it yourself, but the others have to step up. … You need others to win championships.”
Reaves, in particular, has been showcasing a remarkable performance in the 2023-24 regular season after signing a four-year contract with the Lakers in the 2023 offseason. With career-high averages of 15.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game, Reaves has been a significant contributor to the team. His recent scoring streak, including a 19-point, 12-assist game against the Memphis Grizzlies, reflects his growing impact.
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On the other hand, Russell has been dealing with a tailbone injury, causing him to miss the Lakers’ last three games. Despite averaging 14.8 points, 2.9 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game this season, his absence poses a challenge for the team.
Hachimura, also facing a stint on the sidelines, has missed 11 of the Lakers’ 36 games in the 2023-24 regular season. With an average of 11.6 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 1.1 assists per game in his second season with the Lakers, his return to the lineup is anticipated.
The Lakers, striving for their first win of the year, face the formidable Los Angeles Clippers, currently holding the fourth-best record in the Western Conference. The Clippers, unbeaten in 2024, present a formidable challenge for the struggling Lakers, who are yet to secure a victory in the new year.