The Los Angeles Lakers are arguably the most prestigious franchise in the NBA. While residing in LA automatically gives it a boost, the seemingly infinite number of stars that have worn the purple-and-gold give the team even more credibility. Naturally, with such a rich history, come comparisons. While the top remains fixed, a lot of all-time greats sometimes face the axe. However, Jeanie Buss’ list had the entire NBA fandom buzzing. However, the buzz was more due to a severe omission. Shaquille O’Neal, a 3-time champion with the Lakers, somehow didn’t find his way onto the list.

Days after a former Lakers star called Shaq the GOAT, the omission was shocking. It seems like the news finally reached the Hall-Of-Famer. Needless to say, he was just as surprised.

Shaquille O’Neal was left stunned after shocking omission

O’Neal spent the vast majority of his prime in La La Land. During his tenure, he was absolutely dominant. His peak was so high that it earned him the rank of the most dominant player of all time. In the midst of it, he even celebrated a 3-peat with another Laker legend, Kobe Bryant.

However, in Jeanie’s list, Shaq’s presence was amiss. According to Buss, the list of the 5 most important Lakers went- Kobe, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, Magic Johnson, and Phil Jackson. While each of them has built an unimpeachable legacy, Shaq not being on the list felt impossible.

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And it seems like the former Lakers big man agrees. Sharing the list on his IG, Shaq attached a selfie of himself, looking shocked at the list. Even his caption read, “whyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy”.  Perhaps Jeanie will explain her actions in due time.

It wouldn’t be the first time the Lakers organization disrespected Shaq. But, that isn’t to take away from the merits of the players on the list. Arguably 4 of the 5 greatest players ever, the list definitely makes sense. Accompanying them was Phil Jackson, arguably the GOAT coach, and Buss’s ex, which doesn’t seem like a terrible decision.

Yet, days after Metta World Peace’s admissions about Shaq, and Kobe’s earlier comments, the list feels a little disrespectful.

Ron Artest gave props to the Big Aristotle

A few days ago, Diesel shared a question on his Instagram, wondering whether Joel Embiid could lock up a prime Shaquille O’Neal. However, most fans agreed that the notion was ridiculous. But, it was former Lakers champion, Metta World Peace, that caught everyone’s attention.

In a lengthy rant, Peace, formerly Ron Artest, explained his viewpoint on Shaq’s dominance. He mentioned how the league implemented new rules and strategies, like the Hack-A-Shaq, to slow the big man down.

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In the end, Artest even claimed that Shaq was the GOAT, depending on the day. Years ago, Kobe Bryant echoed similar sentiments. He claimed that a prime Shaquille O’Neal with his work ethic would have easily won 7,8 championships and, effectively, be the GOAT. To look at Jeanie’s lists after such claims from the man No.1 on her list, it’s safe to say Lakers Land doesn’t agree with her.