• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, January 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

Dec 2, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown (7) reacts after scoring against the New York Knicks during the second half at the TD Garden.

Celtics Contending Again Despite Cutting $300M in Projected Salary

Jayson Tatum has not been ruled out for the 2025–26 season.

Main Street Sports Crisis Pushes RSN Rights Closer to League Control

The regional sports broadcaster misses another set of scheduled rights payments.
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

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.
Imagn Images/Front Office Sports

FOS Crystal Ball: Predictions for the Business of Sports in 2026

Here’s what FOS journalists think could be on the horizon.

Featured Today

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

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
December 24, 2025

Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’

No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
Rob Manfred
exclusive
December 23, 2025

MLB Teams Fear League Will Pick Winners and Losers in Tech

One company under consideration was founded by a top MLB exec’s uncle.
December 23, 2025

What It Takes to Pull Off Florida’s First Outdoor NHL Game

The Rangers will face the Panthers in Miami’s first NHL Winter Classic.

Saquon Barkley Whiffs on Incentives a Year After Sweeping Them

Barkley sat out Sunday’s game to rest for the postseason. 
January 2, 2026

McIlroy Roasts LIV, But Would Welcome Players Back to PGA Tour

McIlroy admitted he was “too judgemental” of professionals who left for LIV.
Aug 18 2024; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Aryna Sabalenka at the net with Iga Swiatek of Poland after their match on day seven of the Cincinnati Open.
January 5, 2026

Women Tennis Players Continue to Blast Battle of the Sexes

“The guy is detestable,” one former women’s pro said about Nick Kyrgios.
Sponsored

The CFP Bowl Game Tickets Everyone Wants

The second 12-team College Football Playoff is in full swing and tickets to these games are selling at a premium.
January 2, 2026

Sabalenka, Kyrgios Hint at ‘Battle of the Sexes’ Sequel

Sabalenka lost to Kyrgios in straight sets in the controversial exhibition.
Nov 3, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani acknowledges the crowd during the World Series championship parade at downtown Los Angeles
December 28, 2025

It Was the Year of Shohei Ohtani (Again)

The two-way superstar has a massive year on and off the field.
Oct 10, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Las Vegas Aces center A'ja Wilson (22) celebrates with teammates after game four of the 2025 WNBA Finals at Mortgage Matchup Center.
December 27, 2025

The Year of A’ja Wilson

No one in basketball had a bigger year.
Sep 7, 2025; Anaheim, California, USA; Athletics left fielder Tyler Soderstrom (21) is greeted by teammates after hitting a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the seventh inning at Angel Stadium.
December 26, 2025

A’s $86 Million Soderstrom Contract Is the Richest in Team History

The team agreed to a seven-year, $86 million deal with Tyler Soderstrom.