Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Shaquille O’Neal Dismisses Kobe Bryant Comparisons: “Anyone Similar To Kobe Today? Not Even Close. I Don’t Compare Anyone To Mike, But Kobe Is The Closest To Him.”
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Shaquille O’Neal Dismisses Kobe Bryant Comparisons: “Anyone Similar To Kobe Today? Not Even Close. I Don’t Compare Anyone To Mike, But Kobe Is The Closest To Him.”

Shaquille O’Neal Dismisses Kobe Bryant Comparisons: “Anyone Similar To Kobe Today? Not Even Close. I Don’t Compare Anyone To Mike, But Kobe Is The Closest To Him.”

Orlando Silva
Aug 28, 2022
3 Min Read
Share

Ever since Kobe Bryant left his world, everybody has tried to pay homage to him. The Los Angeles Lakers guard became a mentor for many young guys trying to create a name for themselves in the NBA, making a big impact on each of them. Players like Kyrie Irving, Kawhi Leonard, Jayson Tatum, Devin Booker, and more learned a lot from Kobe. 

Given that Kobe shared his knowledge with all these players, comparisons are coming every now and then. However, not everybody likes to see Kobe compared to players of the new generation, especially when they’re just starting their journey in the postseason, fighting to get championships. 

Let’s not forget that at 22, Kobe was already winning titles, and trying to put somebody else at his level sometimes sounds disrespectful. Or at least that’s what Shaquille O’Neal thinks. During a 2021 interview on the Full Send Podcast, the Big Diesel was asked if there was a player who could be compared to Kobe today, and his answer was pretty clear. 

“Similar to Kobe? No one even close. And I don’t think they want to be compared to Kobe, I think they’re trying to make their own mark. You always ask people, ‘who you compare to Mike?’ I don’t compare anybody to Mike, but if I had to answer the question, Kobe is the closest thing to Mike. And, if there’s somebody that’s close to Kobe? No.”

Shaq then was asked about LeBron James and how he can surpass Jordan on the all-time list. O’Neal said he’s a top-3 player ever, claiming that when he passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the highest scorer in NBA history, everybody will have to accept that he’s the GOAT. 

“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.”

“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. But like, when it comes to rankings, it’s always gonna be Mike, gonna be Kobe, and then probably LeBron.”

These conversations are always hateful, especially with all the fans that defend these players against anything. You can say Kobe is the GOAT, or at least second to Mike, but others will claim that LeBron can be ranked lower than 2nd of all time. It’s a very complicated topic, but I think we all can agree on one thing: Shaq is right when he says nobody is comparable to Kobe Bryant. 

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Kobe BryantMichael JordanShaquille O'Neal
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByOrlando Silva
Follow:
Orlando Silva has been a part of Fadeaway World for over three years now, starting in March 2019. Trade rumors, hottest news, controversies, and basketball gossip have become his specialties. After several years of seeing the Spurs dominate the playoffs, they've become his favorite team as players for the franchise either rise to the occasion or fall completely from grace. When he's not talking about the NBA, Orlando can be seen watching other sports, making music, or enjoying television series.
Previous Article Ja Morant Bought His Parents And Sister A House Next To His: “My Parents And My Lil Sis My Neighbors… Dat’s Major.”
Next Article NBA Fans React To Rapper Lil Baby Giving James Harden $250K In Cash As A Birthday Gift: “Like Bro Needs It, His Net Worth Is Like $400 Million.”
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) points to guard Buddy Hield (7) during a game against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the third quarter during Game 3 in the second round of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: David Gonzales-Imagn Images
Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Jimmy Butler’s ‘Mad’ Reaction After Buddy Hield’s Missed 3-Pointer Goes Viral

October 6, 2025
Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Concerning Deandre Ayton Stat From Lakers’ Preseason Loss To Warriors

October 6, 2025
Sep 29, 2025; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward Jake LaRavia (12) during media day at UCLA Health Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

Jake LaRavia Discusses Role In Lakers’ Rotation; Expects Shift Once LeBron James And Luka Doncic Join

October 6, 2025
Los Angeles Lakers News & Analysis

JJ Redick Says Two Players Could Earn Bigger Roles After Lakers’ Preseason Game Against Warriors

October 6, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?