Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal recalls the day he fabricated a story to face his favorite NBA player

Shaquille O’Neal, one of the greatest players in NBA history and a Los Angeles Lakers legend, has shared countless stories from his illustrious career. After playing alongside other NBA icons like Kobe Bryant, O’Neal has made his choice for the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) and revealed his favorite player of all time.

With 17 seasons in the league, six different teams, and three consecutive NBA Finals MVP awards, O’Neal has earned the right to share his thoughts on the best players in NBA history. In an interview, he not only named his all-time favorite player but also shared a memorable anecdote about his time playing against him.

During his early years in the NBA, O’Neal was already being noticed for his performance at Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas. At that time, one of the biggest legends in the game was David Robinson, a two-time NBA champion with the San Antonio Spurs. Robinson was O’Neal’s favorite player during his formative years.

When Shaq finally entered the NBA, he found himself facing off against his idol. O’Neal recalled the mental battle he faced, having to psych himself up to compete against a player he had always admired. With that mindset, O’Neal played at an even higher level and became nearly unstoppable in the league.

Hakeem Olajuwon defending David Robinson in the paint. (Getty)

“I remember when they drafted Robinson, and he took all my shine. One day, we’re at an event, and I meet him. He says, ‘How are you doing, young fella? I know who you are, good luck out there.’ I was like, ‘Wow, Robinson knows who I am.’ But when I played against him, I realized he was a really nice guy. So, I made up a story in my mind that he didn’t sign my jersey when I was 15 years old, and that helped me compete against him,” O’Neal shared during the NBA 75 Stories feature in 2022.

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Robinson’s impact on the San Antonio Spurs

Tim Duncan may be considered the cornerstone of the San Antonio Spurs’ dynasty, but before “The Big Fundamental” took the reins, it was David “The Admiral” Robinson who laid the foundation for the franchise’s success. Known for his military background, which earned him the nickname “The Admiral” during his career, Robinson was one of the NBA’s elite players in the 1990s.

Robinson led the Spurs to two NBA championships: one in the 1998-1999 season, where they triumphed over the New York Knicks, and another in 2002-2003, when they defeated the New Jersey Nets (now the Brooklyn Nets). His leadership and on-court excellence were pivotal in shaping the Spurs’ identity.

Renowned for his defensive prowess, Robinson was a two-time Defensive Player of the Year (1992) and led the league in blocks during the same season. His all-around game earned him a spot on the NBA All-Defensive team eight times over his 14-year career. Additionally, Robinson was selected to the All-Star team 10 times, underscoring his consistent dominance. Among his other accolades, he was named the NBA’s Most Valuable Player in the 1994-1995 season and the Rookie of the Year in 1990.

O’Neal’s take on the GOAT debate

The Lakers legend has long been a central figure in the NBA, both for his dominant play and candid personality. While fans often expect him to name his former teammate Kobe Bryant or the legendary Michael Jordan when asked about the greatest of all time (GOAT), O’Neal has a different choice, one that reflects the current era of basketball.

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In a recent discussion on the GOAT debate, O’Neal placed Stephen Curry in the conversation. “As the supreme leader of the Big Man Alliance, I demand you fans to start putting Steph Curry in that greatest of all time conversation,” O’Neal said. “I’ve played against Mike, played with Kobe, played against and with LeBron—they’re all great. But at some point, you’ve got to put Steph Curry in that category.”

O’Neal’s endorsement of Curry as part of the GOAT conversation further solidifies the Warriors’ star’s impact on the game, a shift from the traditional debate that often centers on past legends.