Rudy Gobert is a defensive juggernaut and a very funny guy.
During his prime, Shaquille O’Neal was an absolute force who just might’ve been mistaken for an actual Avenger for the way he pushed big men around with ease on the court. Shaq was so dominant that many big men at the time got paid a lot of money just so they can give up fouls anytime the Lakers came to town.
That’s why when someone claims he can be held to just 12 points, Shaq took it personally. In a recent episode of his own The Big Podcast, the Big Diesel was speaking out on Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert as an “up and down player.”
Spice Adams tried to rile up the Lakers icon by claiming the Frenchman holds him to just a dozen points.
“12 points? Yeah, in the first three minutes. Let me tell you something, man. It’s against my religion for somebody to hold me one-on-one. I take that personally. I do.”
“First play of the game I always used to look and see what the defense is going to do,” Shaq said reliving his Lakers days. “Like ‘Okay, he’s doubling from Spice [Adams]. Spice is going to be wide open for the jumper. Like, I always look at the first play. But if I get it and nobody’s coming, I take that as a sign of disrespect.”
Gobert came across the comments and made things worse for himself by stating he would lock Shaq up.
Social media wasn’t having it:
Right now, Gobert is a three-time All-Star who’s known best for his dominance on the defensive end of the floor. The 29-year-old owns three Defensive Player of the Year awards.
O’Neal’s legacy certainly can’t be questioned, as he accomplished plenty during his NBA career. He racked up 15 All-Star selections, two scoring titles, one MVP award, and four NBA titles.
