At 40 years old and approaching his 23rd NBA season, LeBron James continues to demonstrate his exceptional talent, a fact Shaquille O’Neal recently emphasized in a conversation about the best players today. During an episode of Overtime, Shaq was challenged to identify any players he believed were superior to LeBron, but he remained steadfast in his support of the Lakers star.
Shaq was presented with a list of prominent NBA players including LaMelo Ball, Tyrese Haliburton, Karl-Anthony Towns, Jayson Tatum, Kevin Durant, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and even Luka Doncic, James’ teammate. Despite this, the Hall of Famer did not concede that any of them surpassed LeBron, showing only a slight hesitation when Giannis’ name came up.
Clarifying the Debate Between Giannis and LeBron
When Shaq asked for clarification on whether the comparison was career-to-career or current age-based regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo, the interviewer specified the discussion was about their present form. Even then, Shaq encouraged the discussion to continue without breaking the metaphorical stick he was holding as a symbol of dissent.
Only one player earned Shaq’s acknowledgment as being better than LeBron at the moment: reigning league and Finals MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. “He’s the MVP,” Shaq remarked regarding Gilgeous-Alexander, showing respect for his recent achievements.
LeBron’s Impressive Performance Defies Age
LeBron James’ statistics from last season underscore why Shaq holds him in such high regard. Averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds per game, James delivered numbers that are remarkable not only for his age but for any NBA player. He secured sixth place in the MVP voting, proving that his skill remains elite.
Looking ahead, the addition of defenders Marcus Smart and DeAndre Ayton to the Los Angeles Lakers could enhance both LeBron’s and Doncic’s ability to compete, potentially raising their impact in the upcoming season further.
Shaq’s Previous Contradictions Regarding LeBron’s Ranking
Interestingly, Shaq’s recent comments contrast with his past opinions. Previously, he excluded LeBron from his best starting five in the league, choosing instead Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jalen Williams, Steph Curry, and Nikola Jokic.
Shaq differentiated between evaluating players as individuals or as part of a team lineup, suggesting that absence from a starting five does not negate LeBron’s greatness. He also used this approach as a motivational strategy to encourage younger talent to elevate their performance.
Why Shaq Believes LeBron Lacks the Fear Factor of Kobe and Jordan
Shaq has openly ranked LeBron differently compared to legends Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan, highlighting a perceived absence of intimidation in James’ game. On his Big Podcast, Shaq explained that while many players, including himself, feared Jordan, and subsequent generations feared Kobe, he never heard players express the same fear toward LeBron.
“I’ve heard players say, including myself, ‘I feared [Michael Jordan].’ I’ve heard players in [Mario Chalmers’s] generation say they feared Kobe. I’ve never really heard any player say they feared LeBron,”
—Shaquille O’Neal, on Big Podcast
“I didn’t think players really feared LeBron like they did Jordan, and it’s not that you shouldn’t fear Bron, I just think at the end of the day, Bron has been through so much that he wanted to be liked,”
—Shaquille O’Neal, on Big Podcast
These observations point to LeBron’s leadership style, which has fostered admiration and loyalty across his teams in Miami, Cleveland, and Los Angeles. Despite lacking the fear factor, LeBron’s four NBA championships reflect the effectiveness of his approach.
LeBron’s Ongoing Quest to Build His Legacy
Approaching the new season, LeBron James continues his bid to extend his remarkable legacy in the NBA. His steadfast performance at age 40 remains a testament to his enduring greatness, challenging those following in his footsteps to close the gap.
As younger stars like Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo develop their careers, many will watch to see if anyone can meet or surpass the high bar Shaq credits LeBron with setting, a benchmark shaped by decades of elite competition.