Friday, July 17, 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.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Apr 18, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts against the Houston Rockets during game one of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Silver Wants LeBron Decision So NBA Can Finalize Schedule

James’s free agency choice will help shape the NBA’s national TV schedule.
Gilbert Arenas Podcast Playmaker
Exclusive

Gilbert Arenas Podcast Lands at Playmaker After Underdog Exit

Arenas recently departed Underdog after three years.
Mar 8, 2026; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Gary Trent Jr. (5) drives for the basket against Orlando Magic guard Jevon Carter (2) in the first quarter at Fiserv Forum.

NBA Investigating Gary Trent Jr.’s New Bucks Contract

Trent agreed to a four-year, $64 million deal on July 11.

Mark Cuban Gearing Up for Lawsuit Over New Mavs Arena

Cuban seeks to prove Patrick Dumont unlawfully cut him out of opportunities.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

A Conversation with MLS Commissioner Don Garber on World Cup, Messi, Future & More

0:00

Featured Today

Tom's Watch Bar

Sports Bars Are Cashing In From Summer of Soccer

The World Cup has brought a windfall to America’s biggest sports bars.
Jun 16, 2026; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; France forward Michael Olise (11) controls the ball against Senegal during a Group I match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup at New York New Jersey Stadium
July 16, 2026

Where World Cup Stars Go to Customize Their Cleats

The world’s best players turn to a Scottish craftsman for perfect cleats.
July 10, 2026

What the World Cup Means to Erling Haaland’s Tiny Hometown

The tournament’s breakout star is from a rural Norwegian town.
July 10, 2026

Why So Many Media Outlets Are Rushing Into Sports

Sports coverage has ballooned in every corner of media.
Pillow Fight Championship
July 8, 2026

How Obscure Sports Get Mainstream TV Deals

For niche sports, getting on TV often matters more than getting paid.
July 13, 2026

NBA Execs Split on Where LeBron James Will End Up

James will play a record 24th NBA season. 
July 14, 2026

DeChambeau Has Last Chance at 2026 Major Cut—With 3D-Printed Irons

LIV Golf’s biggest star continues to stay busy off the course.
Sponsored

Clase Azul Tequila Founder’s Soccer Ownership

Arturo Lomeli talks about managing a tequila brand and two soccer clubs.
Cycling - Tour de France - Stage 9 - Malemort to Ussel - Malemort, France - July 12, 2026 UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Tadej Pogacar wearing the yellow jersey, UAE Team Emirates - XRG's Isaac Del Toro wearing the white jersey and Team Visma | Lease a Bike's Jonas Vingegaard wearing the polka-dot jersey in action as a spectator dressed in a costume cheers on during stage 9
July 13, 2026

Tadej Pogačar Says Heat Demands Tour de France Overhaul

Stage 9 was cut by 18.6 miles under a red alert.
July 12, 2026

Sinner Defeats Zverev at Wimbledon, Claims $4.8M Prize

Sinner won his first Grand Slam tournament of the year.
July 11, 2026

Ohtani, Judge Both Out of MLB All-Star Game

The two superstars will miss the midseason showcase.
July 11, 2026

White Sox Take UCLA’s Roch Cholowsky No. 1 in Draft

The White Sox selected the two-time Big Ten player of the year.