Shaquille O’Neal has on several occasions made it clear that he believes LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time. In an interview in June 2020, Shaq said, “I think LeBron James is the GOAT…I think he’s done enough to solidify his spot in the conversation.
He’s taken teams to the Finals that weren’t that good. He has more talent than I had around me, so it makes it a lot easier for him to score and do the things that he does. ” Shaq went on to explain that, although he respects the legacy and skill of Michael Jordan, it’s LeBron that he believes should take the top spot.
Who is better Jordan or LeBron?
That is a difficult question to answer because both LeBron James and Michael Jordan are two of the greatest basketball players to ever play the game. When trying to decide which is better, one must look at the numbers, the accolades, and the impact each has had on the sport.
In terms of career accomplishments, Jordan has six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and fourteen All-Star appearances. On the other hand, LeBron currently has four NBA Championships, four MVP awards, and sixteen All-Star appearances.
Jordan’s superior championship record gives Jordan an edge, but it should be noted that LeBron has been in the playoffs an astounding sixteen consecutive seasons while Jordan missed the playoffs in his first few seasons.
When discussing both players’ individual statistics, it is clear to see that LeBron has put up superior numbers to Jordan. He is currently third in points scored, second in assists, and ninth in rebounds.
Jordan, on the other hand, is third in points, fifth in steals, and only seventeenth in assists. LeBron’s numbers are undeniably more impressive and have been earned over a longer period of time due to the fact that he is still active.
The impact each player had on the game of basketball is also important to consider. Jordan seemed to revolutionize the game and inspire a generation of people to dream of flying like him. He made the game so much more exciting to watch and was arguably the first superstar to design a signature shoe.
LeBron, however, has been a modern-day icon who transcended the game of basketball and entered mainstream media as an inspiring role model. Off the court, LeBron’s work in his communities and his activism are admired around the world.
In conclusion, both players are two of the greatest basketball players of all time and neither can truly be considered better than the other. The career accolades and the individual accolades may be slightly different, but what Jackson and James have brought to the game and the positive impact they have had on society is unparalleled.
Does Shaquille O’Neal like LeBron James?
Yes, Shaquille O’Neal does like LeBron James. Shaq has openly praised LeBron in several interviews over the years and went on record to say that he was an admirer of LeBron’s work ethic. Shaquille even called James the “greatest player to ever play the game” during an episode of Inside the NBA in 2018.
Shaquille and LeBron have a lot of respect for each other, evidenced by the fact that Shaq was one of the first to congratulate LeBron when he broke Kobe Bryant’s record for most points scored in the NBA.
Shaq is a firm believer that basketball is a team sport and LeBron is a great representative of that.
Why do people think Jordan is better than LeBron?
People often think that Jordan is better than LeBron for a variety of reasons. Some people believe that Jordan’s skill and competitive drive were superior to LeBron’s. Others note that Jordan had more individual awards and accomplishments, such as being a 10-time scoring champion, 6-time NBA Finals MVP and 5-time NBA MVP.
Additionally, Jordan was able to win 6 championships compared to LeBron’s 4 (so far), and his teams dominated their eras while LeBron’s have often had to play in an era loaded with great competition.
People also compare the different eras in which Jordan and LeBron have played and suggest that Jordan’s era had less competition, giving him an edge. Finally, some nostalgic fans believe that Jordan was the greatest player of all time, and that no matter the individual accomplishments or team success, he will always be revered and remembered as the GOAT.
Who does Shaq think is the greatest of all-time?
Shaquille O’Neal famously declared that he believes basketball legend Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all-time. Shaq has praised Jordan many times in the past. He said that it was Jordan’s work ethic that made him a special player and the GOAT.
Shaq said that when it comes to basketball, Michael Jordan is not just the greatest of all-time but is in a class of his own. In addition to that, Shaq has said that no matter what anyone does in basketball, no one will ever be able to achieve what Jordan did for the game.
Who did Shaq idolize?
Shaquille O’Neal has always been an immense force in professional basketball and there have been numerous players he idolized over the course of his career. He grew up a huge fan of Earvin “Magic” Johnson, who he cited as his primary basketball inspiration.
Shaq watched Magic in awe as a youngster, dreaming of being in the shoes of the Los Angeles Lakers legend one day. He admired the way Magic was able to lead the Lakers to greatness and become one of the greatest point guards of all-time.
Shaq was also a fan of two of the most iconic centers of all-time: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Bill Russell. Not only did they achieve tremendous heights of success with multiple championships, Shaq was also dazzled by their playing styles as they each possessed very different but equally effective abilities in the paint.
Shaq often expressed publicly how he was determined to blend some of the best qualities of Kareem and Russell into his own game.
In addition to such legendary greats in basketball history, Shaq grew to admire and form relationships with a variety of other stars. He looked up to the likes of Darryl Dawkins, Charles Barkley, Elvin Hayes, and Dennis Rodman for their remarkable achievements.
Finally, Shaq was highly fond of Hall of Famer and fellow Laker great, Kobe Bryant. He was amazed by Kobe’s drive and tenacity and even considered him a personal friend and mentor after the two had teamed up on the Lakers for several championship runs.
Who is Shaquille O Neal’s favorite NBA player?
Shaquille O’Neal is a big fan of NBA legend Kobe Bryant. O’Neal often referred to Bryant as his “little brother” and said that the two of them created the modern age of basketball. He espoused the importance of shooting, and the need for a star player to focus on playing defense, which he and Bryant both displayed on the court.
O’Neal has fond memories of playing with Bryant and expressed immense pride in his legacy. In an emotional farewell letter to Bryant after his retirement, O’Neal wrote, “I am thankful to have been part of your basketball journey…from high school phenom to first ballot Hall of Fame.
You showed us all how amazing the game could be and I was just lucky to be able to witness it up close. We talked about it all the time, how we were going to change the game, and man, did we ever. “.
Who is LeBron’s favorite basketball player?
LeBron James has stated numerous times in interviews and on social media that his favorite basketball player is Michael Jordan. He has spoken about how he admired Jordan’s work ethic, skill, and determination.
Jordan was a significant influence in LeBron’s development as a basketball player, and he has said that Jordan inspired him to strive for greatness. LeBron has even gone as far as to say that he has tried to pattern his game after Jordan’s.
Additionally, LeBron has spoken about how he is humbled to be mentioned in the same conversation as Jordan. LeBron being a fan of Jordan is evident in the fact that he wears the same number, 23, that Jordan made famous while playing for the Chicago Bulls.
Who is LeBron James’s friend?
LeBron James has been playing professional basketball for over 15 years and has made countless friends throughout his career. Some of his closest friends include fellow NBA stars Dwyane Wade and Carmelo Anthony, as well as rappers Drake and 2 Chainz.
He has also been close with NFL greats Tom Brady and Odell Beckham Jr. , as well as fellow basketball players Chris Paul, Anthony Davis and Kyrie Irving. James is known to have a great relationship with his high school basketball coach Dru Joyce, one of the greatest inspirations in his life.
Other close friends of James include businessman Maverick Carter, musician Usher and entertainer Kevin Hart. James has been connected with other athletes such as former basketball player Shaquille O’Neal and baseball legend Alex Rodriguez.
Who are friends in NBA?
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is comprised of 30 teams with a total of 450 players at any given time. Each team is made up of a tight-knit group of players that work together to try and succeed on the court.
As teammates, players work together and form bonds that can last a lifetime. This is why, when looking at the NBA, one can often refer to the teammates as “friends. ” It is common knowledge that there is a strong sense of camaraderie among NBA players.
Off the court, they are often seen interacting with one another and many even have close relationships with players from other teams. While they may be competitors on the court, they are still friends away from the game.
Even after their playing days are over, many NBA players remain friends with one another and even establish business ventures together.
Who’s Michael Jordan’s friend?
Michael Jordan has many friends from all walks of life. He has had friendships with a variety of athletes and celebrities, including fellow basketball stars Magic Johnson, Charles Barkley and Scottie Pippen.
Michael also has close friends from college, the business world and his hometown of Wilmington, NC. He is also the co-owner of the Charlotte Hornets, and some of his business associates count as friends, such as fellow basketball icons Larry Bird and Shaquille O’Neal.
Jordan also made friends in other professional sports and entertainment as well, such as Ahmad Rashad, Tiger Woods,Justin Timberlake, and even rapper 2Chainz. Michael’s close circle of friends can be seen sharing meals, attending NBA All-Star Games, and supporting charities together.
Is LeBron friends with MJ?
LeBron James and Michael Jordan have known each other for a long time. LeBron famously wore a pair of Jordan sneakers when he was a junior in high school, and some reports have indicated that MJ was even present when LeBron declared for the 2003 NBA Draft.
That said, it’s unclear if they have ever been close friends.
Reports from their respective camps have typically suggested an open door policy or a mutual respect between the two stars. For example, when LeBron entered the league, MJ reportedly offered him guidance and advice, and LeBron has similarly shown reverence for him over the years.
However, LeBron has never described their relationship as being a close friendship. Some people have speculated that this is because of MJ’s competitive nature. LeBron has made it clear that he chose to follow in MJ’s footsteps, so it could be that there’s some level of rivalry between the two that has prevented them from becoming close friends.
In the end, though, it’s uncertain whether or not LeBron and MJ are associated as friends. The two have demonstrated mutual respect, but it appears their relationship is based more on admiration and admiration, rather than a close friendship.
How much money does Shaq make a year?
Shaquille O’Neal earns an estimated $60 million a year, including salary, endorsements and other business ventures. According to Forbes, he earned $1 million alone from his salary playing for the Boston Celtics in 2009-2010.
His current salary for playing for the NBA’s Phoenix Suns is $21 million. Most of his earnings come from endorsements from Reebok, IcyHot and General Electric, as well as his own company, The marketing Arm, which helps in connecting celebrities with corporate sponsors.
Additionally, he owns several car dealerships and media outlets, making up the other $38 million in earnings. Shaquille O’Neal’s estimated overall net worth is estimated to be around $350 million.
Does Shaq own JCPenney?
No, Shaquille O’Neal does not own JCPenney. Despite reports that the former NBA star had bought the struggling department store, it has been confirmed that O’Neal does not own a stake in JCPenney. Media reports that O’Neal would be the new face of the company and had invested in it were false.
O’Neal did appear in a series of ads for the company in 2011, but has no ownership stake in it. It has been confirmed that the O’Neil family are not affiliated with the company in any way.
How Much Shaq Made from NBA?
Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most iconic basketball players of all time and one of the most successful, having earned millions throughout his playing career. During his 19 year stint in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he was among the highest paid players, earning over $292 million in salary alone, with another $80-90 million coming from endorsements.
He also reportedly earned another $30-40 million from his various investments and business ventures. During the 1998-99 season, he was at the peak of his earnings, raking in $33. 1 million with a salary of $27.
7 million and endorsements and investments in the $5 million range. He is one of the few NBA players to ever have earned over $100 million in total during his basketball career.