Kevin Durant Calls Out Shaquille O’Neal for Criticizing Lakers Newest Player Rui Hachimura

• Kevin Durant has aimed a dig at Shaquille O'Neal for criticizing Rui Hachimura
• Hachimura was recently acquired by the Lakers in a trade with the Washington Wizards
• The Lakers icon received heavy criticism from fans on social media

Lakers icon Shaquille O'Neal has been receiving a barrage of criticism from NBA fans after claiming he doesn't know Los Angeles Lakers' latest acquisition, Rui Hachimura. Kevin Durant sarcastically responded to Shaq's comment.

In a bid to strengthen a struggling team, the Lakers acquired former lottery pick Rui Hachimura from the Washington Wizards on Monday, 23rd January, for Kendrick Nunn and a package of second-round draft picks.

Lakers fans have been clamoring for the team officials to make a move to improve the team considering the trade deadline is fast approaching.

The team made a terrible 2-10 start and fans started to fear they won't make the playoffs for the second season in a row. LeBron James's superhuman performances have kept the team afloat during Anthony Davis absence.

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Durant calls out Shaq

During an episode of The Big Podcast with Shaq the four-time NBA champion brutally claimed he didn't know who Hachimura is in a bizarre rant, per Sportskeeda.

“I don’t know who the (expletive) that is. Who the (expletive is that?! Excuse my French, like, come on, Rob! We’re trying to win championships. Who is that, seriously? Can he play? I ain’t even heard of him. … My Lakers, we are all about winning them championships."

The comment cropped up on social media and Durant was quick to respond with a cheeky comment.

"Shaquille doesn’t know ball?"

Fans react to Durant comment

More fans criticized Shaq for his comments. Here are some reactions.

@Writer4LifeJC:

"Watch this guy blow up after developing, bet Shaq will know him then."

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@ARooks:

"Shaq def a casual lol."

@CtrlDub:

"Tbh Kevin does half the Media know ball."

@Danizeh

"Getting paid millions to talk basketball and still not knowing other players than the top ones is crazy he should give his spot to someone that deserves it atleast."

@Stunnaa4Chris:

"I’m sure Shaq is saying this on purpose to make him evolve as a player so he can make the lakers better."

Durant wants to play at the All-Star

Sports Brief earlier reported on Durant revealing he wants to play at the 2023 NBA All-Star, his first since 2019.

Kevin Durant has not played an All-Star game since he joined the Brooklyn Nets in 2019. The last time he played was when he was with the Golden State Warriors.

The 34-year-old is currently nursing an injury and is expected to return just before the All-Star break in February 2023.