Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley were not impressed by the Lakers trading for Rui Hachimura earlier this week.
During TNT’s postgame show on Friday (AEDT), the pair took a few jabs at the 24-year-old forward and his new team, with O’Neal saying he didn’t even know who the former Wizards player was.
Watch an average of 9 LIVE NBA Regular Season games per week on ESPN on Kayo Sports on ESPN on Kayo Sports. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
Sat, 28 Jan
Saturday January 28th
Meanwhile, Barkley botched the pronunciation of Hachimura’s last name and poked fun at Lakers general manager, Rob Pelinka.
“This could be the best trade deadline ever this year,” Barkley said.
“Hey, Shaq, can I give the Lakers a compliment?” You know how much I hate the Lakers and we show them all the time. Great trade, great trade getting Rui Hoochiemama. That’s a great trade Rob Pelinka.”
As for O’Neal? The Lakers legend said he would have preferred a trade for All-Star guard Bradley Beal.
“If you’re not a top-10 player, I don’t know who you are,” O’Neal said of Hachimura.
Curry ejected after blowing up at Poole! | 00:43
MORE COVERAGE
NBA Wrap: Nervous injury wait after superstar goes down; two title contenders stunned
Proof of Giddey’s rapid rise as All-Star votes in, star teammate ‘robbed’
Nets urged to trade scoreless Simmons as Aussie cops another injury blow
“That’s not disrespect. How am I supposed to know who the kid was? … I know who he is now. If I’m a general manager, and I got the big name guys on my team… I need one more big name guy, a complimentary big name guy.
“You want to impress me?” That name should’ve been Bradley Beal, now we’re talking … I’ve never seen this kid play.”
Candace Parker chimed in and explained that the Lakers did not want to give up a first-round pick in the deal, and that they needed players with catch-and-shoot ability.
“I wish him well, and I hope they do well, but I didn’t know who he was, I’m sorry,” O’Neal added.
“… I’m not watching the Bullets or the Wizards.”
Ben fouls Embiid, cops boos in Philly 00:26
Hachimura recorded 12 points, six rebounds and an assist in 22 minutes in his Lakers debut to beat the Spurs 113-104 on Wednesday night.
Both Hachimura and big man Anthony Davis, who returned from a foot injury, came off the bench with 4:22 remaining in the first quarter.
On Monday, the Lakers sent guard Kendrick Nunn and three second-round picks to the Wizards for Hachimura. The Wizards will receive the Bulls’ 2023 second-round pick, the Lakers’ 2029 second-rounder and another second-rounder in 2028.
Hachimura is averaging 13 points on 48.9 percent shooting, 4.3 rebounds and 1.2 assists per game this season. The Gonzaga product was selected ninth overall by the Wizards in the 2019 NBA Draft.
This story originally appeared on the New York Post and has been reposted with permission
.