• Loading stock data...
Monday, April 6, 2026

Shaq Says He’ll Coach the Lakers for $25M Per Year

  • The NBA legend, TNT analyst, and businessman said he’d need a four-year deal to coach his former team.
  • The average annual salary would make him only the 10th-highest-paid coach in the NBA.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has done just about everything off the court — he’s been a broadcaster, DJ, actor, and businessman.

One of the few things he hasn’t attempted is coaching an NBA team — but the Big Diesel might consider the possibility for a hefty price. 

On “The Big Podcast With Shaq,” he said he would coach the Lakers if they offered him $25 million per year for four years.

If the Lakers did offer Shaq, he wouldn’t even be the league’s highest-paid coach. 

A salary of $6.3 million per year would make him just the 10th-highest-paid coach in the Association. Gregg Popovich ($11M), Doc Rivers ($10M), and Steve Nash ($8.7M) top the list.

Still, with a net worth of $400 million, money isn’t an issue for Shaq — but fixing the dismal Lakers could be tempting.

Perhaps the jokester should actually consider a coaching career after the TNT crew put lotion in his smoothie.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 22, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls executive vice president of basketball operations Arturas Karnisovas (right) talks with general manager Marc Eversley (left) before game three of the first round for the 2022 NBA playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

Bulls Finally Pull Plug on Karnišovas–Eversley Era

The move comes one week after the Bulls waived Jaden Ivey.

Michael Malone Set to Be Next North Carolina Basketball Coach

Malone was working as an NBA analyst for ESPN.

Dusty May Leaves Door Cracked for NBA Jobs

May has signed two contracts in two years at Michigan.
opinion

The Real James Naismith Would Cringe at TBS Final Four Stunt

TBS’s Final Four skit with Will Forte as basketball inventor was cringeworthy.

Featured Today

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.
April 1, 2026

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Maxime Vachier Lagrave
March 25, 2026

The Planet’s Best Chess Players Are Having Their LIV Golf Moment

Chess’s most prestigious tournament is battling a splashy Saudi event.

Patrick Reed: Golf Apparel Free Agency ‘Been Fun’ After LIV Exit

The 2018 Masters champion is starting to sign new deals.
April 4, 2026

WNBA Free Agency Is Shaping Up to Be Shockingly Quiet

Some sources believe top players will sign one-year deals.
April 6, 2026

Chicago Sky Pivot Yet Again by Shipping Away Angel Reese

The Dream are giving up two first-round picks for Reese.
Sponsored

Baseball Is Back: MLB Opening Day Prices Soar

MLB Opening Day ticket prices are at record highs. TickPick data breaks down demand, pricing trends, and where fans are paying the most.
April 1, 2026

Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch on Netflix Is On

The fight is expected to be at the Sphere in Las Vegas.
April 1, 2026

Project B Lands Projected Top WNBA Pick, Moves Start to December

The league announced a deal with Spanish forward Awa Fam on Wednesday.
March 31, 2026

Tiger Woods ‘Stepping Away’ Ahead of the Masters After Arrest

Woods announced his decision Tuesday, with the Masters looming.
March 31, 2026

John Starks: ‘Giannis Is Not Coming’ to Knicks

The Knicks legend doubts the MVP will leave Milwaukee at all.