Lakers Legend Makes Strong Nikola Jokic Statement

Nikola Jokic received high praise from one of the greatest Los Angeles Lakers ever

Jan 10, 2025; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) during the second half against the Brooklyn Nets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

While many fans in the NBA want to debate who the best big man in the league is between Nikola Jokic and Joel Embiid, Shaquille O'Neal has heard enough of that argument.

After the Denver Nuggets defeated the Philadelphia 76ers this week, Shaq gave the highest form of praise to Nikola Jokic on Inside the NBA.

Joker, no matter what happens, is the best big man in the league by far," Shaq said emphatically. "Period. Nobody else in the conversation."

Shaq: "Joker no matter what happens is the best big man in the league by far. Period. Nobody else in the conversation." pic.twitter.com/ZlwQbNtJ5u
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 22, 2025

While Shaq didn't explicitly state it, his words are very clearly a statement toward Joel Embiid, especially since the Nuggets were facing the 76ers. Embiid has not been available to play in Denver against Jokic since November 8, 2019.

Shaq continued his praise for Jokic by giving him a custom-created "Big Man Alliance" championship belt. It was a gesture that earned a rare smile and laugh out of Jokic.

"As the President of the Big Man Alliance, I made this belt for you" ❤️🥹

Shaq & Jokić share a moment on the Postgame Show ✨ pic.twitter.com/UcPSwRxzyT
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 22, 2025

Jokic has reached a level of dominance where even older NBA legends who typically critique current players can't help but praise him. Players like Shaquille O'Neal or James Worthy aren't the easiest to get praise out of. For Jokic to reach such a level of dominance that even former legends revere him, is one of the highest forms of praise.

The Denver Nuggets face off against the Sacramento Kings next at 9:00 p.m. EST.

Nikola Jokic Makes NBA History in Nuggets-Mavericks

Nikola Jokic Makes Strong Russell Westbrook Statement

Latest Update on Denver Nuggets Potentially Signing Ex-Lakers Player

Related Articles