The Lakers spent eight seasons building around LeBron James. Now they have to find out what the roster looks like without him.

After the departure, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal weighed in on the move. He explained that while the franchise chose to pivot toward a younger path, the team and its fans may soon realize the immense leadership and values James provided.

"LeBron was the ultimate ball controller. He always made the right play, but he had to have the ball in his hands most of the time to hit Luka or hit Austin Reaves," O'Neal said during an exclusive interview with TODAY.

James was still productive at 41, averaging 20.9 points, 7.2 assists and 6.1 rebounds over 60 games last season.

All last season, rumors flew around that he was leaving the franchise. The Lakers tried to keep him and made a late push, hoping the four-time champion would finish his career in purple and gold.

But LeBron James decided to take on new challenges, signing a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.

But O’Neal understood the business side of the decision as well.

"No, it's what we call the business of basketball," O'Neal told TODAY.

"When you get older, and you're still playing at a high level, you're still trying to demand high money; sometimes as a franchise you have to say, 'Do I want to pay this guy this much money for the next two years, or do I wanna go get younger?' I knew when they brought in Luka Doncic, they were looking to start over."

When the Lakers traded for Luka Doncic, a 27-year-old superstar just entering his prime, the reasoning was understandable. The Lakers supported this decision by signing Austin Reaves to a four-year, $185 million extension this summer.

This move solidified the team's long-term guard combination alongside Doncic.

Despite the Loss, Shaq Sees a Bright Future for the Lakers Ahead

With James gone, Shaq believes both Doncic and Reaves can finally spread their wings. 

"If they play the Golden State style of basketball, up and down, and the ball is just really moving, I think it could definitely benefit the team," O'Neal said.

"Luka is also a ball controller, but when he has the ball, he’s looking to score, and so is Austin. I think it will be similar."

The Lakers did not sit still after James moved on. They made a big frontcourt move by landing Walker Kessler in a sign-and-trade with Utah.

The deal brought Kessler to Los Angeles on a four-year, $130 million contract, while the Jazz got two unprotected first-round picks and two pick swaps.

The Lakers also added Sandro Mamukelashvili, Quentin Grimes and Collin Sexton, so the roster looks deeper than it did a year ago.

Shaq likes the idea of a more open offense, but he's more excited about the team moving on from center Deandre Ayton.

"It’s only one great center and a lot of good centers," O’Neal said. "I don’t know what the Lakers offense is gonna look like yet, but you got guys … they can do a lot of stuff around the rim, unlike ‘Dominayton,’ who didn’t do anything."

Ayton started 72 games for the Lakers, averaging 12.5 points, 8.0 rebounds, and a block. The Lakers sent him to the Washington Wizards for guard Jaden Hardy and two future second-round picks.

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Written by

Md Saife Fida

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi