O’Neal announced the launch of DUNKMAN, the world’s first pro-dunk league, on Friday, July 17
Credit: Kevin Dietsch/Getty;Rob Kim/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Shaquille O’Neal shares his thoughts on where LeBron James will play next while speaking to PEOPLE at Fanatics Fest on Friday, July 17 in New York City
- O’Neal explains that James, 41, has “multiple rings” and is “able to make his own decisions” before speculating on the kind of organization the former Laker will sign with next
- O’Neal tells PEOPLE he’s impressed by what a “great job taking care of his body” James has done to be able to play in his upcoming 24th season
Shaquille O’Neal is impressed with LeBron James’ quality of self care as the basketball world speculates the NBA star’s next move.
Following his departure from the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons, James, 41, is still staying silent on where he’ll play his record 24th season in the NBA. Speaking to PEOPLE while promoting his new league DUNKMAN at Fanatics Fest on Friday, July 17, O’Neal — who also played a total of eight seasons in the purple and gold jersey — says he can’t offer James any advice on the decision.
“LeBron’s in the room,” O’Neal says before explaining that by “in the room,” he means “people that have multiple rings” (James has four).
“So he’s in the room, he’s able to make his own decisions, but I’m sure he’s going to go with a team where he has a great chance of winning because he realizes that he’s near the end. One, two, maybe three more years, so, he’s probably going to want to play for a contender.”
Credit: Rob Kim/Getty
O’Neal, who retired from the NBA at age 39, also tells PEOPLE he’s not sure if he could have continued playing at James’ age. “You know, he’s done a great job of taking care of his body. Could I have played the 41? Probably not,” says the 7-foot-1 athlete.
During his appearance at Fanatics Fest on Friday, O’Neal excited fans about the upcoming debut of DUNKMAN, the world’s first professional dunk league presented by Lilly, in partnership with Credit One Bank.
DUNKMAN will put 24 of the best dunkers — including international athletes and NBA Slam Dunk Contest winner Mac Maclung — face to face in a five-event series that’ll take place live in Atlanta. It’ll also air on TNT and stream on HBO Max kicking off on Tuesday, July 21 at 8 p.m. ET.
Follow your favorite athletes on and off the field with PEOPLE’s free sports newsletter — sign up now!
Four group stage rounds will culminate in a World Championship event in front of a panel of judges on Aug. 25. The winner will take home $500,000 — the largest prize in dunk history.
DUNKMAN will also have star power from Draymond Green, Vince Carter, CashNasty and Adam Lefkoe, who will be on the call for every dunk.
Read the full article here
