Thursday, March 12, 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

WNBA, WNBPA Talks Push Late Into Second Night

Players left the meeting at midnight Wednesday; no deal had been reached.
Feb 3, 2026; Dallas, Texas, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts against the Dallas Mavericks during the first quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Significant Fine Looms After Jaylen Brown Ejection

Brown was ejected after picking up a pair of technicals on Tuesday.
Antonio Davis

Antonio Davis: NBA Betting Epidemic ‘Blows My Mind’

The 13-year pro “can’t fathom” players who aren’t trying to win.

WNBA, WNBPA Meet All Night—No CBA Deal Yet

The sides met deep into the night at a New York hotel.

Featured Today

Alex Eala Has Become One of the Biggest Draws in Tennis

Eala will face Coco Gauff in the third round at Indian Wells.
Jun 9, 2021; Paris, France; The racket of Coco Gauff (USA) after she smashed it during her match against Barbora Krejcikova (CZE) on day 11 of the French Open at Stade Roland Garros
March 6, 2026

The ‘Rage Room’ Is the Hottest Place in Tennis

The idea came from a player podcast.
March 5, 2026

Mark DeRosa Is Still Baseball’s Swiss Army Knife

DeRosa is the sport’s utility player both on the field and off.
Nicole Silveira
March 3, 2026

The Tattoo Marking Membership in the Most Exclusive Club in Sports

For athletes, the Olympic rings tattoo is “about everything it took.”

Ravens Pivot to Trey Hendrickson After Crosby Trade Collapses

The Ravens quickly pivoted after backing out of the Crosby deal.
March 10, 2026

Clippers Keep Winning While Aspiration Ruling Looms

Los Angeles is .500 for the first time since November.
Natasha Watley
March 11, 2026

Softball Legend From LA ‘Heartbroken’ Olympic Tourney Will Be in Oklahoma

The LA28 Olympics will feature softball again after eight years.
Sponsored

Paul Rabil: Why Owning a Team Is a 100x Bet

Paul Rabil shares how he left an established league to build PLL.
Venus Williams waves to fans as she walks off the court after her loss to Diane Parry in the first round of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Thursday, March 5, 2026.
March 10, 2026

Indian Wells $1M Mixed Doubles Purse Attracts Singles Stars

The tournament increased the prize money to $1 million from $370,000.
Mar 7, 2026; Houston, TX, United States; United States pitcher Tarik Skubal (27) reacts to an out against Great Britain during the first inning at Daikin Park.
March 9, 2026

Skubal Not Pitching Again in WBC, Will Return to Spring Training

The ace had been moved by the emotions surrounding the tournament.
Casey Wasserman, Chairperson and President of LA28, during the media conference celebrating the 1000-day countdown to LA28 at Devon Park in Oklahoma City, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025.
March 9, 2026

Wasserman Drops Wasserman Name Amid Epstein Fallout

The agency is now for sale after several prominent clients cut ties.
March 7, 2026

Caitlin Clark, Breanna Stewart Push for Marathon CBA Session

The WNBA stars want to “iron it out” and “get it done.”