Shaquille O’Neal has offered up his insights on how LeBron James can surpass Michael Jordan as the GOAT in the NBA.
It’s an argument that may never be settled until the end of time. Who’s the best basketball player to ever hit the hardwood? There’s basically a 50-50 split between fans who think the answer is Michael Jordan or LeBron James.
If you ask Shaquille O’Neal, though, James sure has the opportunity to end the debate and stake his claim as the GOAT before he eventually decides to call it a career and retire down the road. So, how can he do that?
Shaq has the answer as to how LeBron James can become the GOAT in the NBA
O’Neal focused on stats with his debate, saying James will need to most likely pass Kareem Abdul-Jabbar at the top of the list. As of this writing, James is No. 3 all time with points, behind Abdul-Jabbar and Karl Malone.
Then, don’t forget about NBA Finals trophies. James is chasing Jordan, who ended his career with his six rings. How many more can James bring home?
“I think LeBron is looking to tie Kobe and tie Jordan with championships, “O’Neal said. “If he tied Mike (Jordan), I think people will probably lean a little bit more towards LeBron being the best player in the world.”
After helping the Lakers win the NBA Finals last summer, James now has four rings to his name. Two more and he catches Jordan, while he’d pass him and make a major statement by winning three more. Fortunately for James, he and the Lakers are major favorites to win it all again this season.
Again, this argument of who the better player is between James and Jordan will likely go on forever. However, O’Neal may be on to something. If James finishes No. 1 on the all-time points list, and tops Jordan in NBA Finals rings, how could he not be at the top of the list? If you ask O’Neal, James would truly be the GOAT.