“10 Players in NBA History Are Better Than Kobe Bryant”: Heated Debate Breaks Out on Live TV as Shaquille O’Neal Gets Miffed at His Best Friend’s Disrespect

NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant are one of the best duos in league history. Together, they helped the Los Angeles Lakers win three straight titles from 2000 to 02. O’Neal was definitely the superstar of that iconic team and clinched three straight NBA Finals MVP awards with his dominance. A young Bryant followed closely behind. However, because of their feud, the partnership was broken. While Shaq won another title after leaving, Bryant went on to win two more with the Lakers.

Despite their past feud, The Big Diesel considers Kobe one of the best players ever and he recently showed his love and respect for his best friend. All was not good between Kobe and Shaq as they had a major beef going on at the time and locked horns during practices. The duo had multiple altercations and had to be separated by teammates and staff. Their relationship worsened after the third ring, so O’Neal left and joined the Miami Heat. However, the two squashed their feud later on and remained close friends.

Shaquille O’Neal has Kobe Bryant in his top-five

Shaquille O’Neal recently made an appearance on the Fluent and Chill Podcast by Players Choice on YouTube. In one instance, the crew talked about the top 10 best players in the NBA. One of the crew members noted that Shaq’s first cousin, Jermaine, who was also part of the crew, does not have Kobe Bryant in his top 10. The Los Angeles Lakers legend could not believe the take and replied, “That’s a little blasphemous”.

He then asked him to give his top 10. Jermaine listed LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Shaquille O’Neal.

The 15-time NBA All-Star was not happy about Bryant not being in the top 10. He stated that Jordan was perfection and Kobe was the closest to MJ. O’Neal added, “You can compare whoever you want but the fact that Kobe’s name was never mentioned when you talk about the greats, I thought that was a little disrespectful.” Jermaine replied, “I got him at 11. I only think ten players in NBA history are better than him.”

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However, the 2000 NBA MVP was still not happy and disagreed with his first cousin. He also said that a lot of people will disagree with this take. Shaq then added that he has Bryant in his top five best players list.

O’Neal faced some challenges as a rookie

During the sit-down, Shaquille O’Neal discussed a variety of interesting things like the challenges in his basketball career, personal life, business, etc. Recounting his challenges as a rookie, Shaq talked about going against some of the best centers in history like Patrick Ewing, Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and so forth.

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What do you think about Shaquille O’Neal’s reaction to Jermaine’s top 10 list without Kobe Bryant? Let us know in the comments.