Shaquille O?Neal Once Named ?The Greatest Player in Basketball? and It Wasn?t Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan is usually the first name that gets thrown into the argument for the best player of all time. Another name that has increased in frequency in the GOAT debate in recent times is LeBron James. Fans, players, and analysts, all have different takes as to who the greatest player to ever play the game of basketball is. And NBA legend Shaquille O?Neal sure had a pick of his own regarding that.

Shaquille O?Neal was by far, the most dominant center in league history. His immense strength and huge build made him an unstoppable force in the paint. O?Neal is also a four-time NBA champion.?

Shaquille O’Neal made a bold claim

Out of his four, Shaq won three consecutive championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, playing alongside Kobe Bryant. After winning his second championship with the team, O?Neal was awarded the 2001 NBA finals MVP for the second straight year.

His teammate Kobe Bryant had the opportunity to introduce him at the Sports Spectacular Event to present him with the award. Kobe gave him a great introduction before presenting Shaquille O?Neal with the award. And the mutual love and respect was clearly evident.

Read More – Despite 20 Years of Knowing Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley Puts LeBron James Above Him in Key GOAT Debate Aspect

As O?Neal came up to the stage to accept the award, he had the same love and respect for Kobe. As a matter of fact, Shaq made sure to give Kobe a shout-out on stage and also make a bold claim as well.

O?Neal said, ?I would not accept this award unless the greatest player in basketball gave me this award. And I?ve said once before that Kobe Bryant was the greatest player in the game and I meant that when I said that.?

O?Neal and Bryant went on to win another championship after that. And to this day, they are considered one of the best duos in NBA history. Eventually, both players parted ways as their careers went on.

Kobe and O’Neal parted ways

After their brilliant three-peat run, O?Neal joined the Miami Heat whereas Kobe chose to stay with the Lakers. O?Neal won another championship playing alongside Dwyane Wade in 2006. And Kobe ended up winning two more championships with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2009 and 2010.

O’Neal, having played with both Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant certainly knew both those players’ games. And for him to pick Kobe over MJ may be because of the reason that they won three championships together.

Watch This Story – LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and other legends who shaved their heads in the NBA

But imagine how things would?ve gone down if Kobe and Shaq had not decided to part ways. How many more championships do you think they would?ve won? Let us know what you think in the comments section down below.