Shaquille O’Neal cautions Giannis Antetokounmpo against the Los Angeles Lakers move, saying “50% taxes, more pressure.”
Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant and charismatic figures in NBA history, recently voiced a strong warning to Giannis Antetokounmpo regarding the potential move to the Los Angeles Lakers. Shaq’s cautionary advice centers on two major factors: the significantly higher taxes in California and the increased pressure that comes with playing for a storied franchise like the Lakers. This insight from Shaq, who not only understands the game but also the intricate lifestyle and business aspects of playing in the NBA, is a perspective that demands attention when considering Giannis’s future career moves.
Shaquille O’Neal’s legacy as a Lakers legend gives him a unique vantage point. He understands the immense scrutiny that players in Los Angeles face, the expectations of championships, and the lifestyle adjustments required. When Shaq talks about “50% taxes,” he is referring to the high state income tax rates in California, which can significantly reduce a player’s take-home pay compared to states with little or no state income tax. For an elite player like Giannis, who commands a max contract and earns millions annually, this tax difference is not just a minor inconvenience—it is a substantial financial consideration. The money a player sacrifices in taxes could otherwise be invested, saved, or used to secure long-term financial stability.
California’s income tax rate can be over 13%, one of the highest in the country, and when combined with federal taxes, the total tax burden can reach near or above 50% of a player’s income. In contrast, states like Florida, Texas, or Tennessee have no state income tax, allowing athletes to keep more of their earnings. Giannis, currently with the Milwaukee Bucks in Wisconsin, pays a moderate state income tax rate. Moving to the Lakers in Los Angeles would mean a noticeable drop in his net income after taxes, an important factor for a player who is not only earning millions but also thinking about his financial legacy and how to best maximize his earnings during his peak years.
Shaquille’s other major point is the “more pressure” aspect of playing for the Lakers. The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in sports history, boasting a massive fanbase, global recognition, and a legacy filled with championships and superstar players. This legacy brings with it intense media scrutiny, high expectations from fans and ownership, and relentless pressure to win immediately. For a player like Giannis, who has already experienced leadership in Milwaukee and a deep playoff run culminating in an NBA championship, this would mean adapting to a new kind of spotlight.
In Milwaukee, Giannis has been the central figure and undisputed leader of the Bucks. The pressure there is significant, but it is a different atmosphere. Milwaukee is a passionate but smaller market compared to Los Angeles. The media is less invasive, the fan expectations are more grounded in growth and development, and the pressure to win is balanced with patience and support. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is a global entertainment hub where athletes are celebrities beyond the court. Every move Giannis makes would be scrutinized by national media outlets, social media millions, and a fanbase that has seen legends like Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James wear the purple and gold jersey. The Lakers demand championships, and the pressure to perform at a superstar level every single night is relentless.
Shaq’s warning also touches on the cultural shift for Giannis. Moving to Los Angeles would not only change his financial situation and professional pressure but also his personal life. The lifestyle in L.A. comes with intense public attention, paparazzi, and a constant buzz of celebrity culture. This environment can be overwhelming for some athletes who prefer privacy and stability for themselves and their families. Shaq himself has experienced this firsthand and understands how it can affect a player’s mental health and overall happiness. For Giannis, who has built a strong connection with Milwaukee and its community, the move could be a significant adjustment.
Furthermore, Shaq’s insight highlights the challenge of legacy. Giannis is already a legend in Milwaukee, having led the Bucks to their first NBA title in 50 years. Moving to a franchise like the Lakers means entering a space where legacy is defined by multiple championships and a history of basketball royalty. The expectations are not just to win but to dominate and become a part of Lakers lore. Shaq knows this better than most, having been a key figure in the Lakers’ early 2000s dynasty. The pressure to live up to those standards can be a double-edged sword—while it brings fame and glory, it also increases the stakes and scrutiny for every decision made on and off the court.
Shaq’s caution is not meant to dissuade Giannis outright but to provide a realistic view of what he would be signing up for. It’s a reminder that the allure of playing for the Lakers, while glamorous and prestigious, comes with tangible costs and challenges. The higher taxes mean less financial flexibility, the intense media spotlight can affect mental well-being, and the heightened expectations require an elite level of performance and resilience. Giannis must weigh these factors carefully as he contemplates his career path.
Moreover, Shaq’s warning invites a broader conversation about how NBA players manage their careers in the context of business and lifestyle. Players today are not just athletes; they are brands, entrepreneurs, and public figures. Decisions about where to play involve complex considerations beyond the basketball court. Tax implications, family considerations, media exposure, and personal happiness are all crucial elements in these decisions. Shaq, having been through multiple phases of NBA life and business, embodies the voice of experience that younger players like Giannis can benefit from.
In the end, Giannis’s potential move to the Lakers would be a high-profile story not only because of his talent but because of the many factors Shaq has highlighted. The financial trade-offs, the pressure of a historic franchise, and the cultural environment of Los Angeles all form a complex backdrop for what might otherwise seem like a straightforward career move. Shaq’s candid advice reflects his understanding that success in the NBA is as much about managing off-court realities as it is about dominating on the court.
Giannis’s decision will ultimately depend on his personal goals, values, and willingness to embrace the challenges that come with playing for the Lakers. Does he prioritize financial optimization, seeking to maximize his net earnings? Does he want to embrace the global spotlight and carry the weight of Lakers history? Or does he prefer the stability and community connection he has in Milwaukee? These questions are not easy to answer, and Shaq’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the stakes involved.
The broader NBA community also watches closely. Giannis’s potential move could set a precedent for how superstar players evaluate their options in today’s league. It underscores the growing importance of financial planning, mental health awareness, and lifestyle balance for professional athletes. Shaq’s cautionary note may encourage other players to think more holistically about their careers and not be swayed solely by the allure of big-market teams or short-term fame.
Ultimately, Shaquille O’Neal’s advice to Giannis Antetokounmpo is a reminder that every career decision in the NBA is multifaceted. The glamour of a team like the Lakers carries with it serious considerations about taxes, pressure, and lifestyle that can impact a player’s performance and happiness. Giannis, standing at a crossroads in his career, benefits from hearing this seasoned perspective as he charts his path forward in the league. The balance between legacy, financial prudence, and personal well-being will be key to whatever choice he makes next.
