• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 14, 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

Rich Paul

Rich Paul Pitches NBA Trades on Podcast: ‘Insane and Fucked Up’

Paul proposed trading Austin Reaves on his podcast. 
Netflix

Netflix Plans to Sweeten Bid for WBD With All-Cash Offer

The expected shift could help hasten a closing to the large-scale deal.
Paul Bissonette
exclusive

Fan-Favorite NHL Analyst Paul Bissonnette Gets TNT Extension

The ex-NHL enforcer has become a hot TNT broadcaster and Barstool podcaster.

EuroLeague Defends Its Turf As NBA Pitches League to Investors

EuroLeague threatened legal action if the NBA tries to poach contracted teams.

Featured Today

Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Bryson DeChambeau

Bryson DeChambeau: Doing Only Majors and YouTube ‘Incredibly Viable’

DeChambeau says choosing YouTube over LIV or PGA Tour is “incredibly viable.”
Aug 23, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Brooks Koepka of Smash GC plays his shot from the fairway on the sixth hole during the semifinals of the LIV Golf Michigan Team Championship at The Cardinal at Saint John's Resort.
January 13, 2026

PGA Players Support Koepka’s Return: ‘Great Move’

Top players are reacting to the major decision.
Tiger Woods of Jupiter Links answers questions from the media after a TGL match against New York Golf Club at SoFi Center on January 13, 2026, in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.
January 14, 2026

Tiger Woods Defends Koepka’s Return: ‘A Win for Everyone’

Woods was influential in green-lighting Koepka’s coming back.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
Jan 9, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) moves the ball against Milwaukee Bucks guard Kevin Porter Jr. (7) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
January 12, 2026

LeBron Will Wear Special Jersey Patch for Fanatics Trading Cards

Fanatics Collectibles, which owns Topps, is the NBA’s official trading card licensee.
Brooks Koepka
January 12, 2026

Brooks Koepka Agrees to Give Up Millions for PGA Return

Koepka quit LIV less than three weeks ago.
January 9, 2026

Tigers and Skubal File a Whopping $13 Million Apart on Salary

The ace pitcher is seeking a record-level salary in arbitration.
January 9, 2026

WNBA Union Highlights Big Gap With NBA Health Benefits

WNBA players have far more limited health benefits.