In a thought-provoking interview, Shaquille O’Neal shared why, despite LeBron James surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, Michael Jordan remains the greatest basketball player in his eyes. Shaq acknowledges LeBron’s record-breaking achievements but reveals the deep respect and “fear factor” he felt when playing against Jordan. He also opens up about his own jealousy of LeBron’s numbers, explaining why his own personal experience shapes his definition of greatness. What’s Shaq’s final take on LeBron vs. Jordan? The answer might surprise you!

Shaquille O’Neal Explains Why Michael Jordan Is Still the GOAT Over LeBron James

As LeBron James inches closer to surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar as the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, discussions about who holds the title of the greatest basketball player of all time (GOAT) have intensified. Despite LeBron’s incredible achievements, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, one of the most dominant forces in the history of the game, remains steadfast in his belief that Michael Jordan holds the GOAT title.

In a resurfaced interview, O’Neal shared his perspective on the debate, offering insight into why, even in the face of LeBron’s continued success, he still considers Jordan the greatest of all time.

The LeBron-Jordan Debate: A Matter of Perspective

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The conversation began when O’Neal was asked if LeBron surpassing Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record would solidify his claim to the GOAT title. O’Neal acknowledged the monumental achievement, but didn’t waver in his stance.

“LeBron is about to do something that hasn’t been done in a long time. And I think he will move his name up there. But for me, it’s always Dr. J and Michael Jordan,” Shaq said, acknowledging the historic nature of LeBron’s achievement without dismissing his legacy.

Shaq was quick to clarify that his respect for LeBron doesn’t mean disrespecting the King, but rather that he has a personal attachment to Jordan’s impact on the game. “I do look at LeBron, but I also listen to people’s opinions. Listen, Jordan was the greatest in my opinion,” Shaq explained, citing his own experience playing against Jordan as part of the reason for his stance.

Shaq’s Fear of Michael Jordan: The ‘Terrifying’ Factor

For Shaq, it’s not just about stats or championships—it’s about the sheer impact a player has on the court. When O’Neal was asked about the “fear factor” that great players like Jordan possess, he didn’t hold back. “He’s the only man that had me terrified on the court,” Shaq recalled.

As a young player, Shaq admired Jordan from afar, watching his iconic performances and thinking to himself that he could never match up. However, when he eventually faced Jordan on the court, the reality of the competition hit him hard. “He came by me so fast I was like, ‘Oh s**,’” Shaq recalled. “Mike? Yes, I was terrified.”

But as he regained his composure, Shaq found the confidence to face his idol head-on. “Once I regained my nerves, I had to get into karate mode. Because in all the karate movies, the student must someday beat the master,” he said. “And I won a lot of bets when I asked, ‘Who’s the last guy to beat Michael Jordan in a playoff situation?’ Yes, I was the guy.” This sense of accomplishment gave Shaq a huge boost in his career, but it’s clear that Jordan’s ability to instill fear in opponents was a defining factor in his legacy.

LeBron’s Record-Breaking Career: A Jealous Shaq?

While O’Neal still holds Jordan as the GOAT, he’s quick to give LeBron credit for his extraordinary career. O’Neal admitted that LeBron’s achievements, particularly passing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s scoring record, have left him envious. “When people look at stats, you know, his are definitely going to be up there. And to have passed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar… I can truthfully say I’m jealous of that feat because I was 1,500 points behind Wilt Chamberlain,” Shaq confessed.

He added, “I wanted to pass up Wilt because then I was going to arrogantly say, ‘I’m the most dominant big man ever and I don’t want to hear anybody else’s name.’” Shaq admitted that while his career has been legendary, he always wanted to stand at the top of the rankings in terms of dominance, and LeBron’s current success has made that desire more apparent than ever.

The Importance of Personal Identity in the GOAT Debate

For O’Neal, the debate about greatness is deeply personal. While he clearly sees Michael Jordan as the greatest player of all time, he recognizes that every player has their own version of greatness. “We all think we’re the greatest ever,” Shaq said with a smile, acknowledging the subjective nature of the GOAT conversation.

Despite the constant comparisons between himself, Jordan, LeBron, and others, O’Neal explained that he doesn’t feel the need to be labeled the greatest. “But if you ask me how I want to be remembered? Just want people to say, ‘Shaq was a nice guy,’” he shared.

Shaq’s response speaks to the broader theme of the GOAT debate: while the statistics and accolades are important, personal pride, legacy, and how one is perceived by the public play an equally significant role.

Conclusion: A Never-Ending Debate

The debate over who holds the title of the GOAT in basketball will likely continue for years, with LeBron James and Michael Jordan standing at the forefront of the discussion. While LeBron’s ability to break records and maintain elite performance has made him a major contender for the title, it’s clear that for Shaquille O’Neal, Jordan’s unparalleled impact on the game and his ability to command the court sets him apart.

However, what makes O’Neal’s perspective so valuable is his respect for both players, and his understanding that greatness comes in many forms. Whether it’s through dominating on the court, changing the game forever, or leaving an indelible mark on fans and the culture, the path to greatness is unique to each player. Ultimately, O’Neal’s thoughts on the GOAT debate remind us that sometimes, it’s not about the stats or the accolades—it’s about the influence and the legacy that each player leaves behind.