As Magic Johnson’s Honesty Comes to Light, Shaquille O’Neal Accepts Harsh Lakers Reality With Pinch of Salt

The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most celebrated teams in the NBA. They are tied with the Boston Celtics for winning the most (16) titles in league history. Some of the league’s greatest names have donned the purple and gold over the year. The franchise has had arguably the greatest point guard and the most dominant center in Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal. Shaq recently shared a clip where he had to set aside his ego and accept a harsh reality about his Lakers’ legacy.

O’Neal three-peated in LA and consequently won three finals MVP titles. But Magic Johnson put forward a rather unique point of view when he shared his all-time starting five.

Shaquille O’Neal accepts an unpleasant reality

Magic Johnson is considered the greatest showrunner in basketball history. He won five titles throughout the course of his career and played with the legendary Kareem Abdul Jabbar. The duo in their prime were the most feared pair in the NBA.

Magic, in a clip that has reemerged online, made it clear why he prefers Kareem over other centers like Shaquille O’Neal.

Shaq reshared a clip where Magic said, “I like Shaq. But he was no Kareem Abdul Jabbar.”

In 2017, the five-time champion sat down with entrepreneur Patrick Bet-David to discuss a variety of things. Among them, was Magic’s top five. At point guard, the greatest had Isaiah Thomas. Followed by Michael Jordan at the 2, Larry Bird as small forward, Tim Duncan as the 4 and his teammate Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at 5.

Magic made it clear that there was no match for Kareem in his prime. He claimed that Shaq was great but Kareem made the opponents change their game plan for him. “This man could dominate you with both hands. When they have to change the game because of you that’s greatness,” recalled the business mogul.

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In the past Shaq opened up about Kareem’s indifference towards him. He claimed that it made him motivated to be his absolute best.

Kareem’s indifference motivated Shaq to be his best

Kareem Abdul Jabbar once refused to talk to the legendary Shaquille O’Neal.

On this Shaq said, “I think it was more of a motivation. For me, it was, it hurt, but that’s Kareem. I can’t trip off Kareem, I can’t.”

The 2000 NBA MVP instead tried to use the diss as motivation. “You know my mother always told me this, my mother and father, they are genius. They said ‘Before you get mad and star whooping people a** when they criticize you, you should see if there’s some truth inside of it.'”

Shaq made it clear he doesn’t hold any grudges against the Lakers great and recalled the time his family gave him rather valuable advice.

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