Shaquille O’Neal Expresses Anger Over Kobe Bryant’s Ranking in New Report

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant built one of the NBA’s most dominant dynasties during their unforgettable run with the Los Angeles Lakers. Together, the duo captured three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002, rewriting the record books while redefining what a superstar pairing could achieve. But their partnership wasn’t always smooth.

Their highly publicized feud, marked by on-court tension and off-court jabs, was legendary in itself — yet the two ultimately reconciled and repaired their bond well before Bryant's tragic passing in 2020. Even now, Bryant’s legacy remains one of the most fiercely debated topics in basketball circles. To many, he’s an undisputed top-tier NBA legend — a generational icon whose “Mamba Mentality” has inspired countless players who followed him.

His work ethic, unmatched drive, and killer instinct made him a five-time NBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, league MVP in 2008, an 18-time All-Star, and a 12-time All-Defensive Team selection. Simply put, he remains one of the game’s greatest ambassadors and has been dubbed by many as the greatest Lakers player of all time.

However, a new ranking from Bleacher Report on Monday sparked some conversations on social media— and not in the way Lakers and Bryant fans had hoped. The outlet released its latest all-time NBA list, controversially placing Bryant at No. 11. The backlash was swift, as the NBA world reacted to the list. Among the many critics was O’Neal, who took to X to air his disbelief

“Kobe at 11 is criminal,” the three-time Finals MVP responded.