Shaquille O’Neal appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show,” where he was initially asked whether it is unfair to compare different eras. The legendary center agreed, using the example of himself and Wilt Chamberlain.

“Try to put me up against a Wilt, his era versus my era, me personally, I think I would have completely dominated him. So I like to break it down by eras, but when you talk about that GOAT conversations, I would like to hear all the names, and I’m about to add one more name, because he’s unbelievable, rather just going Mike and LeBron…Got to put Kobe in there,” O’Neal said.

“And now I’m standing here on the Pat McAfee show, got to put Steph Curry in it,” O’Neal continued. “The only thing Steph Curry has not done that those other guys have done is the finishing dunk. Think about what I’m saying. Like all the other guys, they have a finishing dunk play, but Steph Curry, behind that line, the impact is similar to a finishing dunk, but you definitely got to put him as one of the greatest players of all time.”

Why Curry and Kobe deserve to be in the GOAT debate?

Kobe Bryant was the closest competitor to Michael Jordan in terms of playing style and mental toughness, known for the “Mamba Mentality.” With five championship rings, one more than LeBron James and one fewer than Jordan, Kobe proved he could win across different stages of his career, first alongside Shaquille O’Neal and later as the unquestioned leader in 2009 and 2010.

His 12 All-Defensive Team selections surpassed those of Michael Jordan and LeBron James, strengthening his case as one of the most complete players on both ends of the floor in NBA history.

On the other hand, Stephen Curry deserved a place in the debate not only for his four championships and two MVP awards, including the only unanimous MVP in NBA history, but also for transforming the way basketball is played. Before Curry, the three-point shot was a complementary weapon; after him, it became the primary offensive tool across the league.

His ability to score from virtually anywhere forced defenses to completely adjust. His impact went beyond statistics, as he led a tactical revolution that even players like LeBron James did not achieve at the same transformative level.

O’Neal partnered with players such as Penny Hardaway, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade, and during an interview with Sports Illustrated, he named Stephen Curry as the player in today’s game he would most like to team up with.

“Steph Curry,” O’Neal said. “‘Cause after you double me, I’mma kick it to him, and that jumper going to look so pretty going through the net.” An O’Neal and Curry pairing would have been a formidable combination, featuring one of the most dominant interior scorers in NBA history alongside one of the greatest shooters the league has ever seen.

O’Neal, who won four NBA championships during his career, once claimed he would have captured six titles if he had played with Curry. While such statements can often be dismissed, the potential impact of that duo is evident. According to O’Neal’s view, the fit with LeBron James would not have functioned the same way.

Why would O’Neal and Curry work?

O’Neal has faced criticism for his comments about today’s players, yet Curry is someone he has consistently praised. He has explained that he admires the Golden State Warriors star because he is doing things on the court that O’Neal says he has never seen before.

O’Neal dominated during his playing career because of his rare blend of size and skill. Listed at 7 feet 1 and weighing over 300 pounds, he overwhelmed opponents physically and went on to win three Finals MVP awards, one league MVP award, and two scoring titles, in addition to his four NBA championships.

His appreciation for Curry stands out precisely because of that dominance. Despite questions about his stance on modern players, O’Neal has remained consistent in his admiration, making it clear that if he had to choose a teammate in today’s NBA, Curry would be his selection.

When Shaquille O’Neal was asked on Overtime whether Shohei Ohtani had surpassed him as a Los Angeles sports icon, the response was strikingly candid, even if it was difficult for Shaq to admit. The question came from a lifelong Los Angeles fan who acknowledged O’Neal’s legacy while pointing to Ohtani’s unprecedented accomplishments.

“The question was whether Ohtani is a bigger LA sports icon than Shaq,” the fan said. “It breaks my heart to say this directly to your face because I’m from Los Angeles, born and raised in Santa Monica. I cried when you left the Lakers. But what Shohei Ohtani is doing right now will never be done in any sport ever again.”

The fan added that Ohtani’s trajectory suggested sustained dominance. He noted that while Ohtani had not yet reached three straight championships, the opportunity was ahead, supported by a historic long-term contract and a roster built to contend. The implication was clear: the Dodgers are positioned to win multiple titles with Ohtani at the center.

Shaq makes Ohtani’s greatness clear

O’Neal acknowledged the comparison despite his own unmatched legacy with the Lakers. Shaq was part of a dominant championship core alongside Kobe Bryant and remains one of the most physically imposing players the NBA has ever seen. Still, he recognized that Ohtani’s influence, amplified by his recent championship alongside Yoshinobu Yamamoto and a loaded Dodgers roster, could define an entire generation.

“You are one of the greatest LA icons of all time, unquestionably,” the fan continued. “Every statue that’s been erected of you deserves to be there. That being said, Shohei Ohtani is going to have skyscrapers built after him because what he is accomplishing in Major League Baseball has never been done in 150 years.”

Shaq paused before agreeing. “I hate to say it, but he’s correct,” O’Neal said. He pointed to Ohtani’s global reach, particularly in Japan, drawing parallels to how Yao Ming once transformed All-Star voting through China’s massive fan base. In Shaq’s view, Ohtani’s international impact reinforced everything the fan had argued.

The accolades that place Ohtani and Shaq among LA’s greatest

Ohtani’s résumé already places him among baseball’s elite. He is a five-time All-Star, a two-time World Series champion, and a four-time MVP, with all four awards won unanimously, a feat unmatched in MLB history. He has also earned six All-MLB First Team selections, four Silver Sluggers, three Hank Aaron Awards, two home run titles, and an NL RBI crown, while producing 45.2 WAR over the past five seasons as both an elite hitter and a frontline pitcher.

O’Neal’s legacy remains untouchable in basketball circles. He finished his career as a four-time NBA champion, three-time Finals MVP, league MVP, 15-time All-Star, and 14-time All-NBA selection. Beyond the court, Shaq became a global cultural figure whose reach extended far beyond basketball, cementing his place among Los Angeles’ most influential sports icons with the Lakers.

During a recent appearance on The Dunker Spot, O’Neal made it clear that Wembanyama operates beyond any traditional comparison. When Shaq speaks with restraint rather than bravado, it carries weight. This time, his message was rooted in admiration, as he openly acknowledged that the Spurs star exists outside his own basketball framework.

“This kid, he has a whole different category,” O’Neal said when discussing Wembanyama. “He can go inside, he can go outside, he can shoot the three. He’s in his own lane. So like him getting tutelage from me probably wouldn’t help his game out.” The Hall of Famer was unequivocal, emphasizing that Wembanyama’s versatility defies the conventional mold of dominant centers.

O’Neal went further, explaining that if there were a figurative college for elite big men, Wembanyama would be enrolled elsewhere. He referenced Hakeem Olajuwon as the ideal mentor, noting that the Spurs star already trained with the former Rockets legend during the offseason. “He went to Hakeem University,” O’Neal said. “I don’t really have a curriculum for him. He’s just really good.”

What Shaquille O’Neal’s comments mean for Wembanyama

O’Neal’s endorsement of Olajuwon as the guiding influence carries real substance. Wembanyama worked closely with Olajuwon this past summer, focusing on footwork, balance, and efficiency in the post. It was a natural fit, rooted in development rather than headlines.

For the Spurs, this recognition serves as validation rather than pressure. Their franchise centerpiece does not need to be reshaped into something familiar. He needs freedom, patience, and the right voices around him as his game continues to evolve at an elite pace.

Wembanyama’s anticipated return

According to Shams Charania, Victor Wembanyama is listed as probable to return Saturday after missing time with a calf strain. The timing aligns with a high profile matchup against Shai Gilgeous Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder in the NBA Cup semifinals, marking a significant moment for the Spurs.

Wembanyama has missed 12 of the Spurs’ first 24 games this NBA season, yet his impact remains undeniable. He is averaging 26.2 points, 12.9 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 3.6 blocks per game while shooting 50.2 percent from the field and 34.5 percent from three point range. When he is on the floor, the Spurs look like a team with direction, confidence, and a generational cornerstone leading the way.

During an interview on the Rich Eisen Show, O’Neal was asked about his expectations for Golden State this season and their early performance. The former NBA star and analyst responded with high praise, even stating that he trusts the Warriors’ playoff starting five more than any other combination in the league, referring to Stephen Curry, Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green, Al Horford, and Jonathan Kuminga.

“Love how they’re playing. I trust that five in the playoffs more than I trust any other five,” O’Neal said. “Steph, Jimmy, Draymond, old man Al Horford — that experience alone will be very important. Then you’ve got a young guy like Kuminga, who’s mixing it up very well. So, when it comes to the postseason, having that experience, slowing the game down, and always making the right critical decisions, I like that lineup a lot.”

The Warriors’ starting five works best when everyone is healthy, and that is the goal for this season: to keep Curry, Butler, Green, Horford, and Kuminga in peak condition. Head coach Steve Kerr is managing minutes carefully, knowing that the playoffs are when this lineup will be tested and can truly shine.

Something else to consider for the Warriors

Another factor to keep in mind is the potential trade of Jonathan Kuminga between November and December. Fans are now evaluating the situation differently, given Kuminga’s impressive performances in recent games.

Kuminga is quickly becoming a key and indispensable piece for the Warriors. Without him, the team lacks youthful energy and physical advantages. Brandin Podziemski can provide some support, but he has different strengths and has shown inconsistent play so far this NBA season.

For now, the Warriors’ future carries some uncertainty, but the veteran presence on the team is formidable. The combination of talent, effort, experience, and the drive to win another championship gives the Warriors a strong foundation to remain competitive.

Doncic was unstoppable in the loss, finishing with 43 points, 12 rebounds, and nine assists. According to the NBA, he became the first Laker since Elgin Baylor (1959) and Kobe Bryant (2007) to score 40 or more points in a season opener.

That wasn’t the only milestone for Doncic. As noted by ESPN’s Dave McMenamin, he also joined Shaquille O’Neal as just the second Laker to record at least 35 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists in a season opener.

Doncic’s night went beyond Lakers history. With his 40-point, 10-rebound, and five-assist performance, Real Sports reported that Doncic matched a mark previously achieved only by Michael Jordan in the 1989 season opener, when Jordan scored 54 points in a Chicago Bulls win over the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Doncic on his improvements

When Doncic arrived in Los Angeles, questions arose about his defensive effort and physical condition. But after a focused preseason, the 26-year-old appears to have improved those qualities — and it’s already showing in games.

“I think I’m getting better on the defensive end,” Doncic said during his postgame press conference, per ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I’m just trying to get more involved, more communication [with my teammates]. But overall, 41 minutes — I like that”.

The Lakers star also eased any concerns after spending extra time in the training room following the game to receive treatment on his right hip. “It’s probably nothing,” Doncic explained. “I just felt it a little bit because my hip went the opposite way. Felt it a little bit, but it’s probably nothing”.

“I’m sitting next to the greatest of all time. I’m a fan,” O’Neal told attendees at the event, while seated beside Novak Djokovic. The Serbian star, counted among the six players participating in the tournament on the hard court, holds a position within the top 5 of the world’s rankings.

O’Neal, who has achieved legendary status in his own sport, shared his insights on the GOAT debate in tennis. While Federer and Nadal typically draw significant support in this ongoing discussion, Djokovic is distinguishing himself by continuing to play and breaking numerous records.

When a legend like O’Neal endorses someone as the GOAT, it carries weight. Known not just for his physical dominance but also for revolutionizing the game during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, O’Neal’s opinion is held in high regard by many within the NBA community.

Djokovic’s reflections on his tennis career

In addition to O’Neal’s remarks, Djokovic himself took the spotlight at the event, reflecting on his journey in tennis and the unwavering support of his father from the outset of his career.

“People laughed at us when my dad said I’d be No. 1. When I was 12, he handed me a $10 bill, saying, ‘If you truly want to play this sport, you have to take it further.’ I had to step up,” Djokovic recalled, sharing insights from his early years.

Djokovic’s comments have made waves, highlighting the perseverance and challenges he overcame to succeed in tennis. As he continues to excel, fans hope to see him remain a fixture on the ATP circuit for years to come, as Djokovic made comments involving other athletic icons like LeBron James and Cristiano Ronaldo.

O’Neal is never shy about speaking his mind, whether on Inside the NBA or through his social media platforms. So when he recently shared a ClutchPoints list ranking the 10 greatest Lakers of all time, fans immediately took notice. The list was loaded with legends, but one detail stood out: Shaq himself was placed at No. 5.

1. Kobe Bryant
2. Magic Johnson
3. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
4. Jerry West
5. Shaquille O’Neal
6. James Worthy
7. Wilt Chamberlain
8. Elgin Baylor
9. George Mikan
10. LeBron James

The names featured are undeniably among the most historic players in one of the most celebrated franchises in sports. What stirred debate, however, was the order in which they were ranked.

Does Shaq deserve the fifth spot?

Shaq knows better than anyone where he belongs. While he hasn’t publicly confirmed whether he agrees with the ranking, his decision to share it suggests he’s willing to spark the conversation. And if there’s one thing we know about O’Neal, it’s that when he disagrees, he makes his stance clear.

At No. 5, Shaq sits behind Jerry West, a placement that raised eyebrows. West, immortalized as “The Logo,” was one of the most consistent guards of his time, though his playing career with the Lakers included just one championship. By contrast, O’Neal powered the franchise to a three-peat from 2000 to 2002, winning Finals MVP honors all three times. For many, his influence should place him comfortably within the top three.

Wilt Chamberlain’s spot at No. 7 also sparked discussion. Although Chamberlain captured only one title with the Lakers in 1972, his reputation as one of the most dominant players in NBA history makes his placement below O’Neal both logical and controversial at the same time. Meanwhile, LeBron James sliding in at No. 10 remains one of the more polarizing choices, given his impact since arriving in Los Angeles.

Should Shaq be ranked higher?

This is where the debate becomes complicated. Beyond Jerry West, the three names ahead of O’Neal are Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Each has a strong case to remain firmly entrenched in the top tier, and while Shaq’s resume provides arguments for moving higher, the legacy of those three is nearly untouchable.

Each of them represents an era when the Lakers defined excellence in the NBA, blending individual greatness with multiple championships. In that light, O’Neal’s No. 5 spot might not be disrespect—it may simply reflect how stacked the franchise’s history truly is.

“With all respect to LeBron and Kobe and many other players that you can argue as the GOAT. But I’ve seen Kobe Bryant when Shaq will foul out, got in foul trouble. I thought I was looking at Michael Jordan, how he took over games, and led us to victory many times when Shaq was on the bench with foul trouble and what have you. But I would say, MJ 1 and Kobe 1-A,” Horace Grant said, via Gimme The Hot Sauce Podcast.

Horace’s statements, though surprising to some, resonate well when considering Kobe Bryant’s impact on the NBA since the early 2000s. Kobe emerged as a dominant force, particularly on the Los Angeles Lakers, leading the team to five championships. His career accolades include an MVP and a Finals MVP. Even Michael Jordan admitted in an NBA 2K interview that Kobe Bryant could outplay him in a one-on-one matchup, citing Kobe’s ability to replicate his moves.

Despite this, many fans contest LeBron James’ absence from Grant’s rankings due to his significant career impact. While Kobe boasts one more championship, the Lakers’ veteran has profoundly dominated the league, securing four MVP awards and four Finals MVP awards. Additionally, he holds the all-time record for most points scored in league history, which underscores his tremendous influence. Nonetheless, his spot in the GOAT debate is still questioned by many.

Kobe Bryant’s place in the GOAT debate continues to be backed by many former NBA players

Not only Horace Grant but also other former NBA players have supported Kobe’s legacy in the GOAT debate. Shaquille O’Neal, one of his closest teammates, has decided to back the Lakers legend. In a Big Podcast episode, he stated that it is unfair to focus this conversation solely on Jordan and LeBron, leaving Bryant out of the discussion as he dominated at a level non easily reached by many, which earns him a rightful spot in the Top 3.

Dennis Rodman has also stepped up in defense of Bryant’s place in league history. During a live stream with influencer N3on, the Hall of Famer remarked, “We know who that is, Jordan all day long. … People forgot about that one guy. That one guy, that’s called Kobe Bryant. People forget about him. They talk about everybody else. They don’t talk about Kobe for some reason.”

While Kobe Bryant might not universally hold the title of NBA’s GOAT, significant endorsements, bolstered by an illustrious career, affirm his place among the game’s elite. Thus, Horace Grant’s inclusion of Bryant alongside Jordan as the greatest should not seem far-fetched. It’s not a slight against LeBron, but rather a testament to Kobe’s extraordinary impact on the sport.

Bryant received multiple messages on Saturday for what would have been his 47th birthday. Besides his widow, Vanessa Bryant, close friends and fans around the world showed love to the five-time NBA champion.

Me’arah O’Neal, daughter of Bryant’s close friend Shaquille O’Neal, took to social media to pay homage to the legendary shooting guard.

Me’arah O’Neal pays respect to Kobe Bryant on 47th birthday

O’Neal first added a picture of herself merged with one of Bryant, in which she thanked the one-time NBA MVP for all the lessons taught over the years.

“keep one foot in front of the other and jus keep on goin…❤️‍🩹i’m still tryna do what you taught me mane,” she wrote.

Additionally, she added a snap of Bryant biting his jersey to send the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame member a happy birthday.

“happy birthday goat ❤️ love you past life,” O’Neal wrote.

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant formed one of the deadliest duos the NBA has ever seen. They won three consecutive NBA championships in the early 2000s, remaining the only team to achieve such a feat.

Me’arah O’Neal is trying to build her legacy with the Florida Gators, inspired by two of the greatest players of all time. She already envisioned herself playing for the Phoenix Mercury and dreaming big, just like her father and Kobe.

“Our era. 80s was tougher and more physical, but our era was the best basketball. I argue with [Charles Barkley] and them all the time. They be tryna pit these teams together as rivalries. We had a real rivalry. Our rivalry was so bad, his boys tried to jump me,” Shaq O’Neal said, via Straight Game Podcast.

Shaquille O’Neal’s controversial view underscores a truth: his era boasted fiercer rivalries and greater physicality. This challenging landscape perfectly suited his game, cementing him as one of the most dominant forces in basketball on both ends of the court. During this time, he also competed alongside some of the sport’s all-time greats, including Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, Tim Duncan, Hakeem Olajuwon, and Karl Malone.

Although the NBA legend considers this generation of the league less competitive, Shaq still believes there are players who could have stood out in his era. He mentioned Anthony Edwards, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James on ‘The Big Podcast’ in February 2025. While the last both stars did share a few years with him, they were unable to compete during his peak performance, which spanned the 1990s to 2002.

Furthermore, Shaquille O’Neal is confident that he would still be dominant if he played in today’s era. On The Pivot Podcast, he remarked, “Somebody asked me the other day what would I average, I would average 50. The reason why I would average 50 is because I wouldn’t do what everybody else is doing… I know for a fact I’ll make 15 twos before you make 10 threes,” he said, via The Pivot Podcast.

Shaquille O’Neal’s relentless critiques have sparked discontent among several NBA players. One of the most outspoken critics is Victor Wembanyama, who did not hesitate to challenge the legendary big man with his own perspective. LeBron James has also addressed the critical views from former players. He contends that today’s game prioritizes basketball IQ over mere physical prowess, adding layers of complexity to the sport.