Shaquille O'Neal Says Ex-Lakers Teammate Tyronn Lue Wasn't Allowed To Talk To Him

There is a definite dividing line between star players and no-names, regardless of what sport you’re talking about. Shaquille O’Neal was obviously a superstar and big personality during his Hall of Fame NBA career, while Cleveland Cavaliers head coach Tyronn Lue was an anonymous reserve when he was a player.

During a discussion about role players talking trash on the court during TNT’s “Inside The NBA” on Sunday, O’Neal passed along a supposedly strict communication policy he had during his playing days. Apparently, only the starting five and key bench players were allowed to speak to him at all.

Shaq says players like Tyronn Lue were not allowed to talk to him. pic.twitter.com/1wWAPxcHfx

— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) May 23, 2016

O’Neal of course mentioned the Cavaliers’ head coach specifically for a timely reason, saying “Tyronn Lue couldn’t say anything” when the two were teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers. True or not, it’s a funny story that only someone like O’Neal would offer.

Share