Shaquille O'Neal Is 'Still Worried' About the Lakers Despite Having LeBron James, Luka Doncic

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Madz Dizon | Last updated Jul 25, 2025 3:37 AM ET

Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal believes the Los Angeles Lakers have made major moves this offseason.

But despite adding big names like Luka Doncic and Deandre Ayton alongside LeBron James, O’Neal says there’s still one big problem: shooting.

In an exclusive interview with Casino Beats, O’Neal praised the Lakers’ revamped core but didn’t hold back on what he thinks they still lack.

“They have a legitimate big now, got two premier players,” O’Neal said. “I’m still worried about the shooting. It’s a three-point league now.”

The Lakers shook up the NBA back in February when they acquired Doncic from the Dallas Mavericks. The 26-year-old All-Star joined James, now 40, to form one of the league’s most talented duos.

The front office followed that move by signing center Deandre Ayton and adding veteran guard Marcus Smart in free agency. But even with those additions, O’Neal says the Lakers need more than just average shooters.

“Not guys that can shoot, (I’m talking about) bonafide shooters,” he explained. “Guys that are guaranteed, like JJ Redick. He was a bonafide shooter.”

Last season, the Lakers finished middle of the pack in three-point shooting, ranking 15th in total makes and 14th in percentage. Their lack of consistent outside threats was exposed during a first-round playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

O’Neal, who won three straight NBA titles with the Lakers, said the team has addressed its size and star power but warned that shooting could make or break their playoff run. Still, he expects the team to perform better in the upcoming season and make a push for homecourt advantage.

“You got two premier players. You got a big guy that can do certain things,” O’Neal said. “Those three players should be able to get you to one through four. If they don’t have home court advantage, I’ll be very disappointed.”

For O’Neal, the path forward is clear. The Lakers have the pieces, but to win in today’s NBA, “bonafide shooters” aren’t optional. They’re essential.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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