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Shaquille O’Neal Gets Brutally Honest on His Major Issue With GOAT Debate

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics
By Angelo Guinhawa | Last updated 5/13/24

The topic of the NBA’s Greatest Of All Time has been a race fans have been talking about for the longest time. But for Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal , only Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James should be in it.

Of the three, Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan has won the most rings with six under his name. He won the first three in the early 90s, while the second three-peat occurred during the late 90s at the expense of Gary Payton’s Seattle Supersonics and the Karl Malone-led Utah Jazz. Even at the age of 40, MJ continued to show why he’s one of the league’s best scorers during his final two seasons with the Washington Wizards.

The late Kobe Bryant has won five rings during his time playing in the NBA. The first three rings was won while he was playing with Shaquille O’Neal, while the final two were with Pau Gasol. The Black Mamba is known for his fierceness as a competitor and an obsession to become the very best in the league.

For his part, James has won four rings – two with the Miami Heat, one with the Cleveland Cavaliers, and the most recent champion with the Lakers in 2020. He boasts an all-around game and long career that has allowed him to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.

NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal Believed GOAT Conversation Only Has Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, and LeBron James

When it comes to the NBA’s GOAT, there can only be three worthy enough to be in the conversation, according to O’Neal. In an article written by Corey Hansford for Lakers Nation:

“The only thing I don’t like about the (GOAT) conversation is that they don’t put my boy’s name (Kobe) in it. If you’re gonna be throwing names around, you gotta have my boy’s name in it. That’s like saying, ‘What are the best luxury cars out there: Lexus or Beemer? You gotta put the Mercedes in there, too. Mike, LeBron, or Kobe, now y’all debate,” O’Neal said.

Even though he never had more rings than MJ, nor did he break a massive milestone like James, Bryant’s legacy was still worth including in the GOAT race. As mentioned above, there never has been a player like the late Lakers legend when it comes to a commitment to winning.

Only time can tell who the true GOAT is, especially after James retires soon. In any case, having the three stars is an interesting development worthy of consideration.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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