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Russell Westbrook called out by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal

By Bryan Rose

May 31, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) warms up prior to action against the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports
May 31, 2014; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Russell Westbrook (0) warms up prior to action against the San Antonio Spurs in game six of the Western Conference Finals of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at Chesapeake Energy Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark D. Smith-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Shaquille O’Neal joined the Los Angeles Lakers, he did so with the intention of being the number one option.

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That may have been the case for a very short period of time though once Kobe Bryant came into his own, there was a power struggle at the top. Even legendary coach Phil Jackson, known for his impressive ‘Jedi mind tricks’ couldn’t get Bryant and O’Neal to play in the sandbox together and that’s something O’Neal is concerned about regarding Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Most would agree that between Kevin Durant and Westbrook, the reigning league MVP is the better of the two players though at times Westbrook can get a little too big for his britches according to O’Neal.

"In the history of the game, every one-two punch – the one or the two  – has to sacrifice and step back. (Thunder guard) Russell Westbrook don’t step back enough for me. At some point for the betterment of the team, you’ve got to step back. Until Westbrook learns to step back, it may be hard for them. Kevin Durant is the man, but Westbrook is like I’m getting mine every time. You can’t do it."

While Shaq can sometimes spout off fits of nonsense, he does have somewhat of a point here. Kevin Durant is clearly the main option for the Oklahoma City Thunder and Russell Westbrook, while very talented in his own right, is the Robin to his Batman. We’ve seen instances where Russell Westbrook can occasionally isolate himself away from everybody, including Durant and that’s when things start to go sour for the Thunder.

It’s not something that should be all that difficult to change though wanting to do so is a completely different story.

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