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Shaquille O’Neal Didn’t Hesitate When Naming the NBA’s Best Player of All Time

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 8:02 PM ET

Before he was an analyst for TNT's "Inside the NBA," Shaquille O'Neal was lighting it up on the court.

During his 19-year career, O'Neal won four NBA championships, including a three-peat with the Los Angeles Lakers. But his stellar resume doesn't end there, adding an MVP, 15 All-Stars, and 14 All-NBA selections.

Yet not many fans believe O'Neal is in consideration for the NBA's best player of all time. That conversation usually is between Lakers star LeBron James and Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan.

In his 22 years, LeBron is top ten in nearly every statistical category, including the record for most career points. He was able to win four NBA championships with the Cavaliers, Heat and Lakers, along with four NBA MVPs.

Jordan, on the other hand, only played in 15 seasons, yet created arguably the greatest dynasty in league history. In the 90s, Jordan helped the Bulls pull off two separate three-peats, ending his championship count at six. He also beats out LeBron in MVP awards with five.

But O'Neal seems to think one of these players is better. On Tuesday, he sat down with Netflix Sports and named his top ten players of all time, ranking Jordan as No. 1.

"And number one, the greatest player of all time is Michael Jordan," O'Neal said.

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We asked Shaq to power rank his top 10 all-time NBA players Power Moves with Shaquille O'Neal premieres June 4.
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Despite the aforementioned GOAT debate, O'Neal seems to think it isn't close. In fact, he has LeBron ranked as the No. 3 best player of all time, with Kobe Bryant at No. 2.

O'Neal knows a thing or two about facing both Jordan and LeBron. He went 5–6 against Jordan and 11–6 against LeBron, even playing alongside LeBron during their time with the Cavaliers.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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