Shaquille ONeal has come to LeBron James defence following the superstars decision to join the Philadelphia 76ers, dismissing claims that the four-time NBA champion is simply chasing another ring.ONeal said he sees James move as a player trying to maximise the final years of an all-time career rather than protect his legacy.Its funny to me that people that dont have rings and saying, Hes a ring chaser, No. Hes continuing to chase, ONeal told Stephen A. Smith on SiriusXM. Hes chasing the chance to continue to be great, to continue to add legacy to his book. Listen, he knows, well he doesnt really know yet, but you know and I know when this thing is over, its over. You cant come back. Once you retire, once your body says I cant go no more, its over.ONeal also compared James decision to one he made near the end of his own playing career. After winning three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers and another with the Miami Heat, ONeal signed with the Boston Celtics for the 2010-11 season in hopes of adding one more title.This guy feels he has two, three more years left, ONeal continued. Why not try to get another championship? I did it. I did it with Boston. After I won three in a row and then won one in Miami, hey, towards the end of my career, let me go play with Paul and KG and be like the fourth guy and rebound and set picks and see if I can win one. And thats what hes doing.Related Article: People Are Losing Their Minds Over LeBron's Choice to Join the 76ersWhile ONeal backed James decision, he admitted Philadelphias revamped roster could create difficult sacrifices, particularly for Tyrese Maxey following the arrivals of both James and Jaylen Brown.He came in a regular guy. Joel Embiid was hurt most of the year. Tyrese rose up like, Hey, Im the star. This is my team, ONeal said. Now you bring Jaylen Brown in. Is he going to take a step back? Not only that, you bring LeBron in, is he going to take another step back? Now Joel comes in shape and he wants to play, (Maxeys) going to have to revert back to being a regular guy. And will that affect him?READ MORE: Brian Windhorst Urges Warriors to Delay Steph Curry Extension
