More From Shaq: Uncut, This Time He Talks LeBron James

Can you imagine if the NBA season had started on time and Shaq was on TNT as these book excerpts are being released? The conversations would be EPIC!! We’ve heard a little about that final season Shaq was with the Lakers, now let’s take a look at the season of LeBron. As expected Shaq says no one was really allowed to chastise King James, especially not then head coach Mike Brown, take a peek:

“Our coach, Mike Brown, was a nice guy, but he had to live on edge because nobody was supposed to be confrontational with LeBron. Nobody wanted him to leave Cleveland, so he was allowed to do whatever he wanted to do.

“I remember one day in a film session LeBron didn’t get back on defense after a missed shot. Mike Brown didn’t say anything about it. He went to the next clip and it was Mo Williams not getting back and Mike was saying, ‘Yo, Mo, we can’t have that. You’ve got to hustle a little more.’ So Delonte West is sitting there and he’s seen enough and he stands up and says, ‘Hold up, now. You can’t be pussyfooting around like that. Everyone has to be accountable for what they do, not just some us.’ Mike Brown said, ‘I know, Delonte. I know.’ Mike knew Delonte was right.

“I’m not sure if Kobe [Bryant] is going to listen to Mike Brown [now Lakers coach]. LeBron never really did.”

O’Neal also offered his perspective on James’ flameout in the 2011 NBA Finals for the Heat, equating it to James’ struggles in the 2010 playoffs with the Cavaliers against the Celtics.

“There’s no question in Game 5 LeBron was kind of out of it. . . .  I always believed he could turn it on at any moment, but for some reason he didn’t. Not against the Celtics in 2010 and not against the Mavericks in 2011. It was weird. It’s one thing to be a passer, but you are supposed to be the One.

“I’m watching him play against Dallas, and they’re swinging the ball and they get him a perfect open look — and he’s kicking it to Mario Chalmers. Makes no sense. I told people, ‘It’s like Michael Jordan told me. Before you succeed, you must first fail.’ “

And this is the EXACT reason why I felt that Mike Brown was the wrong choice for the Lakers. That team needs someone who will command their respect. And my gut says no matter what, Mike Brown isn’t that guy. I’m not so much questioning his ability as a coach, I just feel as though there is more to coaching in LA than just your skill set. Ask Rudy Tomjanovich…

As far as LeBron’s 4th quarter fades and the Cavs pampering of him, that’s not earth shattering. We’ve all watched that play out hence, Cavs owner Dan Gilbert’s cosmic sans font letter. He’s still heart broken behind LeBron leaving and is trying to take it out on every NBA player.

I can’t wait for this book AND, the NBA season