Shaquille O’Neal Once Irked Kobe Bryant Fans With “Mature” LeBron James Comparison

Shaquille O’Neal is widely regarded as one of the best players ever. His physicality and skills made him a force to reckon with for the players guarding him. Interestingly enough, Shaq has played with many superstars. Whether it is Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, or LeBron James, Shaq has played with all.

Shaq’s best partnership came with Kobe and Dwyane Wade. Moreover, he spent a small amount of time with LeBron in Cleveland Cavaliers. Shaq once gave reasoning as to why he wasn’t as tough on LeBron when compared to other stars.

Shaquille O’Neal talks about his time with LeBron James 

Shaq has had a long career in the NBA, during which he traveled all around the country. Unlike Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, Shaq has taken his talents to various teams across the league.

The Los Angeles Lakers undoubtedly got the best part of Shaq. He formed a lethal duo with Kobe Bryant and won 3 titles in the process. The same was with Dwyane Wade. A young Wade partnered with Shaq to win an NBA title with the Miami Heat.

Shaq gave his reasoning as to why he was soft on LeBron James. He said, “I always tell people in terms of being tough on the young stars, I was a 10 with Kobe and a 4 with Dwade and a 1 with LeBron.

He further adds, “I didn’t say anything to LeBron. Didn’t have to. He had figured it out at a very young age.” This goes on to explain how good LeBron was at a young age. 

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Shaq and LeBron in Cleveland

LeBron James was taking the league by storm during his initial days at the Cleveland Cavaliers. He was joined by the experienced Shaquille O’Neal who already had 4 NBA titles under his belt.

The two formed a master and apprentice partnership in Cleveland. Despite not playing for long, the two put up insane numbers together.

Shaq averaged 12.0 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 53 games with King James. On the other hand, LeBron averaged 29.7 points, 8.5 assists, and 7.2 rebounds in 53 games with Shaq.

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What is your favorite memory of Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James? Let us know in the comments below.