LeBron James Lands Third on Shaquille O’Neal’s All-Time NBA GOAT List—Jordan and Kobe Reign Supreme

The NBA’s ongoing GOAT (Greatest of All Time) debate has reached new heights, especially with the recent release of Shaquille O’Neal’s all-time player rankings. In a sneak peek from his upcoming Netflix series Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal, the four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer unveiled his list of the top 10 players in league history. And while Michael Jordan stands proudly at the top, it’s the rest of the rankings that have left fans buzzing.

Shaq’s Top 10 All-Time NBA Players:

Michael Jordan
Kobe Bryant
LeBron James
Magic Johnson
Bill Russell
Wilt Chamberlain
Larry Bird
Hakeem Olajuwon
Tim Duncan
Julius Erving

Notably, Shaquille O’Neal initially included himself in the top 10 but later removed his own name in favor of the legendary Julius Erving. This change sparked an immediate debate across social media, as fans questioned Shaq’s decision to elevate Dr. J over his own place in history.

LeBron James—Still in the Mix

At 39 years old, LeBron James has managed to secure a spot in Shaquille O’Neal’s top 3, sitting comfortably at No. 3. This ranking places him behind only Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, but it’s a spot that could change as LeBron’s career continues to unfold. As the NBA’s all-time leading scorer and a four-time MVP, James has already cemented his legacy as one of the game’s greatest players. His continued dominance with the Los Angeles Lakers—especially as he chases more postseason success—only adds to his growing resume, making his position in the top 3 on this list a reflection of his incredible sustained excellence.

For now, LeBron remains one of the most talked-about names in basketball, and O’Neal’s decision to place him third only solidifies his place as an undeniable force in NBA history. The big question now is: where will James stand once he eventually hangs up his sneakers?

Omission of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar Raises Eyebrows

Perhaps the most surprising element of Shaq’s rankings is the notable omission of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The NBA legend, a six-time NBA champion and the league’s former all-time leading scorer, is shockingly absent from Shaq’s top 10. Fans and analysts alike have been left questioning how O’Neal could leave off such a legendary figure, especially when considering his dominance in both the 1970s and 1980s.

While O’Neal didn’t offer any explanation in the Netflix clip, the decision has ignited further debate. Some argue that Abdul-Jabbar’s place in history should be solidified with a spot on any top 10 list, while others suggest that the criteria for greatness are evolving with each generation. Regardless, the omission of the “Sky Hook” king is sure to keep the GOAT conversation heated.

The GOAT Debate: Subjective and Unsettled

What’s clear from Shaq’s rankings is that the debate over the NBA GOAT is far from settled. While the top three names—Jordan, Kobe, and LeBron—are familiar to most basketball fans, the order in which they appear remains highly subjective. The omission of Kareem and the inclusion of players like Tim Duncan and Hakeem Olajuwon further complicate the discussion, showing that the criteria for greatness vary depending on individual perspectives.

In a sport so rich with history, it’s no surprise that fans and analysts continue to hash out their own opinions on who deserves the title of “Greatest of All Time.” Some emphasize championships, others prioritize individual accomplishments, and still, others consider a player’s impact on the game as a whole. These various criteria are what make the debate so fascinating, and Shaq’s list only adds more fuel to the fire.

The Future of the GOAT Debate

As Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal prepares to premiere on Netflix on June 4, fans can expect even more insights from the Hall of Famer about his thoughts on the NBA’s greatest players. With each new generation of basketball talent, the definition of greatness evolves, and the debate continues to shift.

LeBron James, despite being ranked third by O’Neal, remains one of the game’s most dominant figures. His place on this list is a testament to his enduring greatness and influence in the NBA. As he moves closer to the end of his career, his legacy will likely continue to evolve, with many wondering if his final years will push him higher up in all-time rankings or perhaps solidify his spot behind Jordan and Bryant.

Conclusion: A Constantly Changing Debate

For now, fans and basketball enthusiasts can only speculate where LeBron, Kobe, and the others will eventually land when all is said and done. What is clear, however, is that the NBA GOAT debate will remain one of the most engaging topics for years to come.

Shaquille O’Neal’s list is sure to spark even more conversations about the criteria for greatness in the NBA, and the absence of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar only adds fuel to the fire. As the debate continues, one thing is for sure—these basketball legends have left an indelible mark on the sport, and their rankings will be debated for generations to come.