Lakers News: LA Hall Of Famer Offers Opinion On Draymond Green's 5-Game Suspension

The NBA has changed drastically over the years, but nothing more so than the physicality of the league. Back in the day, players could be as physical as they wanted, and it wasn’t called for a foul, but now many have complained about the lack of physicality from the players.

While guys still are physical, they are held to a higher standard for things on the court. But sometimes some take it too far, and fights break out. Recently, there was a fight between the Golden State Warriors and Minnesota Timberwolves that resulted in suspensions being handed down.

One former Lakers big man weighed in on the situation and gave his thoughts on the suspension. Former Los Angeles Lakers superstar center Shaquille O’Neal weighed in on the incident that saw Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green be suspended for five games, and it was exactly the type of response expected from the big man.

“I’m from the old school, so you always stick up for your guys. Like, me and you are doing the interview right now — somebody come put their hands on you, I’m gonna beat them up ‘cause you’re my guy. But you get these people who say it was wrong — like, I try not to be a hypocrite. I would’ve did the same thing. I’m not gonna sit here and say he was wrong, he shouldn’t have did it — he probably shouldn’t have did it, but WWSD, what would Shaq do? Shaq would’ve did the same thing.”

Per Chuck Schilken of The Los Angeles Times

O'Neal is from the older generation that believes physicality is needed for the game. But he also understands where a line shouldn't be crossed.

Green has made a habit of crossing lines over his career, but he also has seen much success come from it as well. O'Neal likely would have done the same thing, but most players knew better than to cross him during his playing days.

Green is the emotional leader of the Warriors, and sometimes he can take things a little too far. There is defending your teammates, and then there is straight-up brawling. Green decided to brawl against Minnesota and now he is suspended for multiple games.

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