All-Time lists are one of the most discussed in the world of basketball. Even though it is difficult to compare players from different eras in the NBA, fans and even people involved in the business indulge in the discussion. However, there will always be disagreements on any list. While it might be relatively easy to pick an All-Time five from a team with limited success, it might not be with successful teams. And that is exactly the case with the Los Angeles Lakers. Recently, Jeanie Buss picked her list without Shaquille O?Neal, and it caused a bit of fuss.
Now, Shaq has responded with an interesting take. The Big Diesel is arguably the most dominant player ever who led the Lakers to three straight championships. Even the iconic Showtime Lakers were not able to achieve a three-peat during their heyday.
Shaquille O?Neal makes a major claim
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Shaquille O?Neal recently shared an image on Threads with Jeanie Buss’ most important Lakers. The list included legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, Phil Jackson, and LeBron James. Shaq posted it with the caption, “people are asking if i?m mad. my answer of course not. love you jeannie buss.” Understandably, most Shaq fans were not happy with the list.
Post by @shaq
View on Threads
Even though O’Neal stated that he was not “mad” about Jeanie’s list of top-5 important Lakers, he now shared his take that might not sit well with most Lakers fans. The Hall of Famer listed his top-fives for the Lakers and the Orlando Magic. The Lakers team had all four players from Jeanie’s list and Shaq himself. The Magic team had O’Neal, Dwight Howard, Vince Carter, Tracy McGrady, and Penny Hardaway.
Post by @shaq
View on Threads
Interestingly, O’Neal claimed that the Magic top-5 would beat the Lakers in a seven-game series. He wrote, “this game might go seven, what you think. and i?m a have to go with the magic on this one. young shaq and young dwight,wooweeeeee.”
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Notably, the 2000 NBA MVP was hyped about young Shaq and young Dwight playing together despite their beef. Similarly, he also showed respect to Hardaway in spite of their decades-old friction which was resolved recently.
Shaquille O?Neal’s beef with Penny Hardaway
The duo of Shaquille O?Neal and Penny Hardaway ran the show in Orlando and led the Magic to the ultimate stage. Even though they lost the title to the Houston Rockets, the fans were excited about the future. However, O’Neal moved to the Lakers in free agency after salary negotiation with the Magic did not go as planned.
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WATCH THIS STORY – ?Third Splash Brother?: Shaquille O?Neal AKA DJ Diesel, Who?s Made Only One 3-Pointer in His NBA Career, Stuns Everyone With Insane ?Steph Curry? Moment
Shaq once admitted that his “ego kicked in” when Penny was paid what he wanted, and he wasn’t. This ultimately led to a beef between the two which lasted for over 20 years. The two recently sat down and made amends understanding miscommunication led to the spat.
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