Los Angeles Lakers veteran LeBron James and Brooklyn Nets striker Kevin Durant contested the on-air criticism that former Laker Shaquille O’Neal addressed to Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell on Thursday night .
The controversy started when O’Neal was interviewing Mitchell on Thursday night and said the guard lacked the ability to take Jazz to the next level.
This exchange between Shaq and Spida 👀
(by @nbaontnt) pic.twitter.com/tiNRhn7ofZ
– Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) January 22, 2021
Mitchell’s limited response was undoubtedly to hide his irritation at O’Neal’s opinion, considering that the guard has become an NBA highlight.
During Mitchell’s first three seasons, Jazz reached the Western Conference semifinals during Mitchell’s debut season in 2017-18 and was then eliminated in the first round of the playoffs in the following two seasons.
Still, O’Neal’s criticisms seem unwarranted, considering that Mitchell is just one facet of regular Jazz programming and is facing teams that have just as much, if not more, talent.
James’ comments help offer revenge to Mitchell, who previously offered support to James after television host Laura Ingraham criticized him. In addition, James’ respect for Mitchell as a player made it necessary to respond to O’Neal’s comments.