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Shaquille O’Neal Surprisingly Defends Isiah Stewart Post LeBron James Brawl
The Lakers witnessed one of its most horrific brawls oddly close to the anniversary of Malice at the Palace. They started this brawl as a result of a free throw box out which led to an arguably intentional punch from LeBron James on Isiah Stewart. Initially, the duo had a heated tussle. It eventually turned into a full-blown brawl when Stewart realized he was bleeding. This was arguably the most physical brawl witnessed in the NBA this season.
It is an undoubted fact that Shaquille O’Neal was the most physically dominant center in Lakers’ history. While Kareem Abdul Jabbar was arguably a better player and scorer, Shaq was undeniably more physical.
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – JUNE 12: Kobe Bryant, Lindsey Hunter and Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers celebrate following Game Four of the NBA Finals against the New Jersey Nets on June 12, 2002 at Continental Airlines Arena in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Sporting News via Getty Images via Getty Images)
By winning 4 championships, Shaq has repeatedly shown that he had what it took to become unstoppable inside the paint. So if there’s anyone who knows how physical the game of basketball can get, it’s Shaquille O’Neal.
Shaquille O’Neal’s unpopular opinion on the LeBron James brawl
On this week’s The Big Podcast with Shaquille O’Neal, he spoke about how barbaric things can get on the basketball court. While talking about LeBron James’ performance last week, the trio discussed several aspects of LeBron’s game. Among them, the most eye-opening claim was when Shaq said Isiah Stewart was not wrong in charging at LeBron.
He said, “I think you know Isiah did the right thing. Yeah because I bet you now LeBron and Russell respect him.”
Nov 21, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) reacts after getting ejected from the game during the third quarter against the Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
While Turner argued Isiah’s charge was a delayed reaction, Shaq asserted that Stewart almost got knocked out from LeBron’s punch. Therefore, by the time he came to his senses, he wanted to get back at LeBron. While this explanation might be questionable, it puts Isiah’s reaction in perspective.
Was Isiah Stewart right in charging at LeBron?
While perhaps fans might engage in the discussions of who was right and wrong, but we can say only one thing for certain. The league held them both accountable for their actions. Since such unprofessional behavior is not acceptable in the NBA. While LeBron may have hit him with a closed fit, was the charge from Stewart justified? Let us know what you think.
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