'I call it...' - Shaquille O'Neal makes feelings clear on LeBron James joining Philadelphia 76ers

Shaquille O'Neal has leapt to the defence of LeBron James after he chose to sign for the Philadelphia 76ers.

James entered free agency after leaving the Los Angeles Lakers in June following an eight-year stint.

However, it quickly became apparent that James had no intention of retiring from basketball and instead wanted to continue playing in the NBA for a 24th season.

A plethora of clubs circled around, with it being reported that James' agent Rich Paul had conversations with different teams.

In the end, James decided to sign a two-year deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in a bid to win a fifth NBA championship.

James last tasted NBA glory in 2020 and went on record saying that he wished to "join a franchise that kind of shares the same motto as myself and that's practicing championship habits every day".

His decision did receive criticism from some quarters over James still pushing to add another ring to his collection at the age of 41.

READ MORE: LeBron James makes NBA history just days after completing Philadelphia 76ers switch

But fellow NBA legend 'Shaq', who has the same amount of championships and played with James at Cavs, sees no issue with the former Miami Heat star's move and admits he would have done the exact same thing if he was in the same position.

Speaking on SiriusXM NBA Radio, the 54-year-old said: “I don’t blame him for trying to get with a team where he can get another championship. People call it ring chasing, I call it ring continuance.

“He already has four rings. It’s funny the people that don’t have rings, ‘Oh, he’s ring chasing.’ You always want to put yourself in a position to win a championship. So, he has four and he’s done it the right way. He’s done it his way. Now on you’re on your way out you can get with a team that’s got some players to get one or two more, I would do it.”

How much is LeBron James being paid after joining Philadelphia 76ers?

James earned at least $52.6 million in his final season with the Lakers, where he played with his son Bronny.

But his earnings at the 76ers will be nowhere near the aforementioned figure. 'King' has taken the biggest pay cut in NBA history so that he can compete for a fifth championship.

Penning a two-year contract which is effectively a veterans minimum deal, he is poised to earn $3.9 million per year.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the second year of James' agreement includes a player option which could allow him to retire or even enter free agency again.

His deal also includes a 15% trade kicker, which is a chunk of a player's salary that they are entitled to if he is traded.

Because he has not played four seasons with the 76ers, James is not eligible to a no-trade clause and this is the arrangement which protects him in the best way.

The Sixers would have to pay James some money if they were to trade him elsewhere - though his smaller salary means the amount would not be particularly spenny.