Shaquille O'Neal made telling comment when comparing Luka Doncic to Michael Jordan ahead of LA Lakers trade

Shaquille O'Neal made a telling comment when comparing Luka Doncic to Michael Jordan following his LA Lakers trade.

Doncic, a five-time NBA All-Star, has joined the Lakers in a stunning three-way trade deal.

He moves from the Dallas Mavericks, with Anthony Davis moving in the opposite direction, along with Max Christie.

The Mavericks also get a 2029 first-round draft pick while Maxi Kleber and Markieff Morris will head to the Lakers.

The blockbuster trade also includes the Utah Jazz, who land Lakers' Jalen Hood-Schifino and a pair of second-round picks in this year's draft.

Naturally, fans and critics alike have reacted to Doncic's trade, including basketball legends O'Neal and Charles Barkley, who urged the Slovenian star to focus on operating with the ball rather than solely relying on scoring.

"The Maverick frustrate me so much 'cause they should be so much better," he explained. "We make a big deal out of Luka's numbers; his numbers should be going down... he's gotta do a much better job getting rid of the ball, using those other guys. They're playing the same way when they didn't have any talent... as great as he is, he has got to learn to play without the basketball.

"When you play with better players as a great player, the game should be easier, not harder; your numbers should go down not up… that's why they're losing."

Luca Doncic has joined the LA Lakers. Image: Getty

O'Neal, on the other hand, argued Barkley's claim as he referenced Jordan's legendary career.

"I disagree." he said. "Kyrie and Luka, they both have the same problem. They do what great players do, but they just don't do what the greatest players do.

"I don't think their numbers should go down. If you're gonna care for your numbers like that, you should be able to do both, and it's been done. Michael Jordan's numbers didn't go down when he started winning."