The debate will go on forever: LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan. NBA fans, players and analysts have been debating this for years, comparing statistics, rings, impact, how the game has changed and more.
Shaquille O’Neal, a member of the professional basketball Hall of Fame, sat down with “All Things Covered” to give his views on the GOAT conversation and revealed where he feels the difference between the two players today.
Although some don’t care about the conversation, O’Neal says he believes James cares about the opinions of others.
“I know LeBron and I know that he thinks about what people think,” said the former Laker.
Shaq admitted that “we look at the statistics” and analyzed the difference between the two players in terms of numbers.
“He has already overtaken Kobe and Jordan on points … he will be crawling to Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar) too. I think he wants to pass Kareem,” said Shaq.
Looking at the championships, James has four – he got his fourth ring last season with the Lakers – while Bryant finished with five and Jordan with six.
“I think LeBron wants to tie Kobe and Jordan with championships,” said Shaq. “If he drew with Mike, I think people are likely to lean a little more so that LeBron is the best player in the world.”
Although Shaq now appears to be leaning towards MJ instead of James, he did not rule out the possibility of turning, saying that if James overtook Abdul-Jabar on points and Jordan on rings, “the conversation will likely change.”
James, 36, has been in the league since 2003 and shows no signs of leaving the league anytime soon.