Shaquille O’Neal, who once said LeBron James would be the GOAT if he outscored Kareem-Abdul Jabbar, contradicts himself.
Entering the year 20, Lebron James looks as exciting as ever. After an incredible individual campaign, averaging 30.3 points, 8.2 rebounds and 6.2 assists, Bron is healthier than ever.
The upcoming season will be extremely special for King James. Trailing Kareem-Abdul Jabbar by just 1,325 points, sometime during the 2022-2023 campaign, LBJ is projected to overtake the former Lakers legend as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer.
Also read: Lebron James snaps back when asked about all-time scoring record and Lakers legend
Numerous analysts, enthusiasts, and even former NBA stars have weighed in on Bron’s chances of being the undisputed GOAT spot to achieve the long-awaited record.
Shaquille O’Nealwho has spoken on this issue in various instances, had a contradictory statement to what he has been saying all this time.
“LeBron James is about to do something that hasn’t been done, but Michael Jordan is the greatest”: Shaquille O’Neal
In recent months, Shaq has stated that King James would be the best as long as he crossed the 38,387 point mark. In 2021, the former Lakers legend had fixed:
“He has four rings and becomes the top scorer in NBA history. He is the best of all,” O’Neal said.
“There is nothing you can say.”
And again a few weeks ago, O’Neal had reiterated the same.
“I think he wants to pass Kareem because if you pass Kareem in points, we all have to shut up.”
The Hall of Famer had explicitly agreed to consider James the best once he broke Jabbar’s record. More recently, however, Shaq has gone back on his words.
Shaquille O’Neal agrees to being jealous of LeBron James
In a recent appearance on “Impaulsive,” the Great Aristotle explained how Bron’s next and somewhat inevitable achievement would be sensational. However, the 4-time NBA champion went ahead to call Michael Jordan the GOAT even after LBJ had achieved the record. Accepting being jealous of the 18-time All-Star, the Diesel said:
“I have a question for you and the panel when LeBron passes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in points this year, will that make him the greatest player of all time?
“It is an interesting question. I think the best player of all time is Michael Jordan. LeBron is about to do something that hasn’t been done in a long time and he will move his name there. But for me, it’s always Dr. J, Michael Jordan, Magic and those guys.
“I look at LeBron, but I also like to hear people’s opinions. Listen, Jordan was the best in my opinion.”
Now don’t get him wrong, Shaq isn’t wrong to be jealous of his former teammate. The 7-foot-1 legend is entitled to his opinion.
However, credits must be given when they are due.
Once LeBron beats Kareem’s record, it will definitely strengthen his case to be considered the GOAT.
Also read: Shaquille O’Neal expresses his desire to be number 1 on the all-time scoring list
