While fans dream of a superstar shake-up, with Giannis Antetokounmpo potentially rocking the Purple and Gold, Shaquille O’Neal is urging the Greek Freak to pump the brakes before jumping on the Lakers bandwagon.
During a recent appearance on the Good Will podcast, Shaq dropped some real talk about why heading west might not be the move for Giannis. And as someone who knows what it means to play in Los Angeles, you can bet Shaq’s words carry weight.
“I would tell him that, probably, a bigger market doesn’t matter. Social media is the market now,” said the Hall of Famer. “Giannis has made a name for himself already. If you go to L.A., 50% of your contract goes to taxes, more pressure, and more stress.”
Shaq’s advice? Stay in control. Milwaukee may be a smaller market, but Giannis already runs the show there. According to Diesel, that’s exactly where the two-time MVP’s power lies.
“He should go upstairs and say, ‘I want to see all the free agents. I want their numbers. I want to talk to them.’ He should bring people to him,” Shaq added. “Back in my day, small markets meant less attention. But this isn’t the ’90s anymore—every city’s a big market now.”
Of course, Shaq has his own legendary Lakers story. After a dominant stint in Orlando, he joined the Lakers in 1996 and went on to win three straight championships with Kobe Bryant, becoming one of the most dominant duos in NBA history. But while he reached the mountaintop in L.A., his departure wasn’t exactly a fairy tale ending.
That’s why it’s interesting to hear Shaq not roll out the purple carpet for Giannis. Instead of selling him on Hollywood glitz, he’s offering a dose of wisdom.
Being a Laker isn’t for everyone. The franchise has 17 titles and a fanbase that demands excellence—every night. There’s no rebuilding year in L.A.—there’s “win now” or “get out of town.” Just ask Russell Westbrook, who went from hometown hero to punching bag in record time.
And let’s not forget the other L.A. headache: taxes. “Half your contract gone” might be a bit of an exaggeration, but California’s tax bill is no joke—especially when you’re making Giannis-level money.
Meanwhile, in Milwaukee, Giannis has something most stars only dream about: total control. He’s the unquestioned leader of the team, a Finals MVP, and beloved in a city that’s already named streets and smoothies after him. Plus, he’s still under contract for another three years, so unless he demands a trade, he’s not going anywhere.
Bottom line? Shaq sees the value in building something where you are instead of chasing the lights. And for Giannis, Milwaukee might just be the perfect place to keep writing his legacy—on his terms.