Michael Jordan and LeBron James are often the only names included in the NBA GOAT debate, but basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal says Kobe Bryant cannot be ignored. In a recent appearance on the ‘Straight Game’ podcast, the Diesel got real on why Bryant, his former Lakers teammate, is right up there with the two greatest players ever.
“I get frustrated when people talk about the GOATs of the game and don’t mention Kobe Bryant,” said O’Neal. “I don’t care who you pick, whether it’s Michael, LeBron, or Kobe, but just mention all the names. They just passed him up and went from Mike to LeBron, and they left him out. I would like to hear the recipients in there and then let the people pick.”
It’s not easy to qualify for the GOAT conversation, but there are several reasons why Kobe makes the cut. Firstly, as Shaq explained, he’s a carbon copy of Michael Jordan, who is almost universally recognized as the best of the best.
“He’s a carbon copy of Mike, and Mike is the greatest, so he has to be there,” O’Neal added. “But LeBron has done some things, too.”
Shaq did not outright put Kobe above Michael or LeBron, but he does believe that Bryant is on their same level, and he may not be entirely wrong. Starting with Jordan, the 6x champion was unstoppable with the Bulls and achieved an unprecedented level of fame and notoriety. In 15 years in the NBA, Michael averaged 30.1 points, 6.2 rebounds, and 5.3 assists per game on 49.7% shooting.
The NBA Hall of Famer retired in 2003 as a 5x MVP, 10x scoring leader, 14x All-Star, and 11x All-NBA player. He led the Bulls to six titles in eight years, cementing his legacy as an unmatched scorer, leader, and competitor.
If Jordan isn’t at the top of someone’s list, chances are that they have LeBron James ranked over him. Years ago, it would have been akin to blasphemy, but James’ legacy over 22 years has earned him an undisputed place in the conversation. Besides being the league’s all-time leading scorer, LeBron is also a 4x MVP, 4x champion, and 21x All-Star. Over stints with the Cavaliers, Heat, and Lakers, James boasts career averages of 27.0 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists per game on 51.3% shooting.
Finally, there’s Kobe Bryant. While most fans wouldn’t put him with Jordan and James, some argue that he’s got a legitimate GOAT case. If being a 5x champion isn’t enough, Bryant’s resume also includes an MVP, 15 All-Star appearances, two scoring titles, and 12 All-Defensive selections. An entire generation of ballers grew up idolizing the “Mamba mentality” that continues to be tied with Kobe’s legacy today.
For Shaq, who won three championships with Kobe, he got a front-row seat to his greatness and witnessed firsthand how he was able to impact the team. Despite a falling out with Bryant during his career, Shaq will always recognize him as one of the GOATs of the game, and rightfully so.
Ultimately, NBA player rankings are always going to be subjective, but between achievements, impact, and leadership, Kobe, Michael, and LeBron have set a standard that cannot be beat, and they all deserve recognition in the never-ending GOAT debate.
