Days After Agent Rich Paul Advocates for LeBron James’ GOAT Case Over Michael Jordan, Lakers Legend Shaquille O’Neal Seems to Share the Opinion

The GOAT debate is truly a never ending saga, at least with LeBron James and Michael Jordan involved. The two legends have cemented their place as the greatest in the game, with fans discussing their legacy with every opportunity they get. However, just days ago, The King’s very own long-term friend and agent, Rich Paul chimed in to give his opinion on the GOAT debate.

The 41-year-old advocated for The Chosen One over His Airness, after watching his game closely for years. However, Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal seemed to back these claims too.

Big Shaq throws his weight behind LeBron James

Rich Paul shared his opinion on the GOAT debate on former Washington Wizards guard, Gilbert Arenas’ podcast. After watching LeBron James up close for years, Paul naturally endorsed his client in the GOAT debate. However, he found an uncanny supporter in Shaquille O’Neal.

The Big Aristotle has often chimed in on the long-running GOAT debate to share his opinion. This time, Lakers legend simply used Rich Paul’s statements to give James the edge. O’Neal shared the $120M worth agent’s statements on Gil’s Arena without a caption on his Instagram stories to show support to The Kid From Akron.

In his statement, Paul says “Mike transcend the game. When Kobe came, Kobe was a silhouette of Mike, right? That’s everything which is great. But LeBron is the first player to have to deal with a 24/7 365 news cycle of sports and opinions from those that’s not even capable or carry the expertise of giving a valid opinion….you have this environment in this sports society that’s created…now you have the root against. That’s a whole other thing that Mike never had to deal with because his hardest critic was probably Peter Vescey….”

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Paul claimed that MJ did not have do deal with the criticism James did during his career. This claim surprisingly received support from the 3-time Finals MVP, Shaquille O’Neal. However, just a year ago, Diesel openly endorsed Jordan as the GOAT, directly contradicting his backing of Paul’s statements.

When Shaq GOATed MJ

Last year, the 4-time NBA champion shared a different opinion on the debate, advocating Jordan as his GOAT. Before LeBron James passed up Kareem-Abdul Jabbar to become the all-time leading scorer in the NBA, O’Neal had a very different stance on the debate.

Diesel backed the Chicago Bulls legend in the debate, saying, “I think the greatest player is Michael Jordan. LeBron is about to do something that hasn’t been done in a long time and he will move his name up there but for me, it’s always like…Dr. J and Michael Jordan and Magic and those guys.” 

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Shaquille O’Neal may have changed his opinion since The King ascended the all-time scoring throne. However, over the years, he has always backed MJ in the debate. Whether O’Neal backs Jordan or James in the debate, one thing is for certain – the GOAT debate is perpetual.