Shaq defends himself after Mitchell criticism, says 'I Know What Greatness Is'

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has defended himself after a flurry of criticism coming his way following his comments on Dovan Mitchell.   former Los Angeles Lakers superstar was under scanner for his comments with Kevin Durant and LeBron James hitting out at former player turned analyst. Shaq has w responded to those comments, in typical fashion. 

Also Re: Kobe Bryant's First Death Anniversary T To Be Commemorated By Grief-stricken Lakers

Shaq criticism: NBA analyst responds to backlash on Dovan Mitchell comments 

Shaquille O'Neal h courted controversy for being overly-critical of current NBA players, hitting out at Utah Jazz star Dovan Mitchell during a post-game interview. former Lakers star told Mitchell that “you are one of my favourite players but you don’t have what it takes to get to next level… I said it on purpose because I wanted you to hear it. What do you have to say about that?”  24-year-old didn’t really kw what to say, and gave a short, one-word response: “Aight".

Also Re: NBA Scores: 76ers Trump Lakers 107-106, Warriors Win Two In A Row, Harden Stars For Nets

Shaq's comments saw both Kevin Durant and LeBron James react to an Instagram post questioning why young players are so “sensitive” when receiving “constructive criticism” from basketball legends. LeBron James chimed in and suggested: "re's a difference between constructive criticism and soft hating though. I've seen it both ways come my way, mostly hate. You can hear it in ir delivery". Kevin Durant though took ar angle and wrote, "m old hes need to go enjoy retirement. se boys have coaches y work with everyday lol". 

Also Re: NBA Tre Rumors: Are Miami Heat, GSW Favourites To Pursue Brley Beal From Wizards?

Shaq has w taken to Instagram, and wrote, “I kw what greatness is. Ain’t body playing done what I have done besides LeBron and Steph Curry. I have G14 classification to say what I say, you better google me". Lakers legend also shared pictures of some o greatest guards he played with, including Steve Nash, Kobe Bryant, Penny Hardaway, Dwyane We and surprisingly LeBron James. His post seems like a hit back at Durant, and two have h ir fair share of history. 

Also Re: Will Candace Parker Leave Sparks After 13 Years For WNBA 'Home' Team Chicago Sky?

Shaq h famously criticised JaVale McGee while Durant was playing for Golden State Warriors, and he launched into his teammate's defence. KD told  Associated Press that Hall of Famer’s actions were “childish” and mentioned that he was “a shitty free throw shooter. He missed dunks, he air-balled free throws, he couldn’t shoot outside paint. He was bigger than everybody. He didn’t have any skills". Shaq h tersely responded telling  Crossover that Durant h right to speak on his name because at time he h t won an NBA Championship. Since n, KD has lifted two and could lift a third with Brooklyn Nets this season. 

(Im Courtesy: AP)