It’s not a secret that LeBron James aims to finish his career as the greatest basketball player of all time. The King has done enough to convince many people he’s the best hooper ever, but others have a different opinion.
Players like Michael Jordan and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar have a compelling case against the Los Angeles Lakers superstar, which is why he’s trying to add more accolades to an already impressive resumé.
Recently, Shaquille O’Neal talked about what LeBron needs to do to reach that undisputed GOAT status. The big man made it clear that he doesn’t like to discuss those topics since he knows all the people involved in the debate. Still, he explained what James must do now to be the greatest of all time (34:40).
“I don’t like having this conversation because I actually know all these guys… I think this is LeBron’s plan, he wants to pass Kareem. Because if he passes Kareem in points, we all got to shut the hell up.”
Shaq played with LeBron after being traded from Phoenix in 2009. He was ready to help Bron out that year, but things didn’t go well for the Cavaliers.
“He’s a great player, a great friend. And my motto when I heard I was being traded was, ring for the King.”
Ultimately, O’Neal believes LeBron will surpass Kareem in career points, and when that happens, there won’t be much to say to deny that James is the greatest basketball player ever to live.
“He’s gonna have four rings, you already pass up Kobe, you already passed up Mike, now you pass up Kareem. So if that doesn’t make him the greatest basketball player, I don’t know what we’re talking about. It’s always gonna be Mike, gonna be Kobe, and then probably LeBron.”
If James adds another title to his career, that will boost his case. He’ll try to win it this upcoming season after the Los Angeles Lakers created a superteam with Anthony Davis and Russell Westbrook.
Even if he doesn’t win next year, LeBron will finish his career as a top 2 player of all time. He’s done enough to earn that status, dominating in the playoff, being consistent in 18 years of career, and giving the word ‘longevity’ a new description.
