Shaquille O’Neal, a towering figure in the world of basketball, has commanded attention both on and off the court throughout his illustrious career. With numerous accolades and achievements under his belt, Shaq’s influence in the NBA is truly awe-inspiring. However, it comes as no surprise that this legendary player isn’t shy about expressing his opinions.
In a recent turn of events, Shaq found himself taking issue with Stephen A. Smith over a controversial take on Kobe Bryant as the former Lakers teammates and close friends evidently found themselves at odds, leading Shaq to assert his point of view. And when Shaq puts forward an argument, you know things could get spicy.
Shaquille O’Neal disputes Stephen A. Smith’s Kobe Bryant take
Shaquille O’Neal and Stephen A. Smith have found themselves in a heated debate over Kobe Bryant’s legacy as O’Neal expressed his discontent with Smith’s take on Kobe’s place in basketball history on the Stephen A. Smith Show.
O’Neal passionately defended his former Lakers teammate, arguing that Bryant should never be left out of any discussion regarding the greatest of all time. “We as people, we stand on what we stand on, but I have a problem with you know what you said. It doesn’t matter who the GOAT is.” Shaquille O’Neal added to his argument.
While recognizing that everyone has their own opinion on who deserves the GOAT title, O’Neal emphasized that Kobe’s name should always be part of the conversation. The debate arose after Smith made comments that seemed to downplay Bryant’s achievements and impact on the game. Shaquille O’Neal, who took offense to this, stated, “My guy should be in the conversation.”
Indeed, Kobe’s accomplishments are impressive and speak for themselves. He was an 18-time NBA All-Star and won the All-Star MVP award in 2002, 2007, 2009, and 2011. In 2020, the award was even named after him. Bryant also showcased his dominance by winning the NBA Slam Dunk Contest and the Rookie Game scoring title in 1997.
From defending one legend to putting forward an idea of another, Shaquille O’Neal had also backed a certain player called Stephen Curry, who could probably be a part of the GOAT conversation.
Shaq added Stephen Curry to GOAT conversation
Shaq recently added fuel to the ongoing debate of who should be considered the NBA’s greatest player of all time GOAT by suggesting that Stephen Curry should be included in the conversation.
Curry’s incredible performance, where he scored 30 points, including a game-winning three-pointer, against the Boston Celtics, impressed Shaq quite a bit. The Golden State Warriors’ victory over the top-seeded Celtics, despite trailing by 17 points in the third quarter, showcased Curry’s ability to single-handedly turn the tide of a game.
Shaquille O’Neal, a strong proponent of Curry’s legacy, later after the game not only compared Curry’s skills favorably to his own Hall of Fame career but also openly acknowledged that Curry might be deserving of GOAT consideration. “I’m wondering if it’s time to start putting him as the best player of all time in the conversation,” Shaq suggested.
This sentiment is significant, as Shaq rarely voices such opinions and he also advocated for the inclusion of his late Lakers teammate, Kobe Bryant, in the GOAT conversation.
With Shaq’s endorsement of Curry’s greatness, the debate over who truly deserves the title of NBA’s GOAT has gained a new perspective. Curry’s exceptional shooting prowess, game-changing performances, and impact on the sport will likely spark further discussions among basketball enthusiasts. And it will continue for a long time.
As the sharpshooter edges closer and closer to getting old, he shows no sign of being held back and has only one goal and hunger in mind—that elusive golden ring.
