Former NBA star and current entrepreneur Shaquille O’Neal recently shared his perspective on the ongoing debate about the greatest NBA player of all time during a discussion on “The Big Shaq Podcast” aIongside former Miami Heat guard Mario Chalmers.
Contrary to popular belief, O’Neal asserted that LeBron James did not hold the title, despite his impressive career.
Reflecting on his experiences facing off against basketball legends Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James, O’Neal emphasized that while players often expressed fear of competing against Jordan and Bryant, the same sentiment was rarely voiced regarding James.
He stated, “I’ve heard players say, including myself, ‘I feared Mike.’ I’ve heard players in your generation say, ‘I feared Kobe.’ I never really heard any players say they fear LeBron.”
Chiming in, Chalmers noted that he faced backlash for suggesting that players didn’t fear LeBron in the same way they did Jordan. Shaq supported Chalmers’ viewpoint, emphasizing that he had never heard any player express fear of LeBron on the court.
Further discussion delved into the perception of LeBron James, with Chalmers suggesting that James prioritized being liked and respected by fans over instilling fear in opponents. This sentiment led to a broader conversation about Shaq’s approach to parenting and instilling strong values in his children.
Known for his conservative views and emphasis on family values, Shaq discussed his parenting strategy, which includes teaching his children financial responsibility and incentivizing higher education. He humorously mentioned using the promise of financial rewards to encourage his children to pursue law school, recognizing their potential to take over the family business in the future.