basketball star Shaquille O’Neal and LeBron James The Los Angeles Lakers raised eyebrows off the court after O’Neal said that under James, the Los Angeles Lakers lacked the aura of threat that the legend favored. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant They are shown in famous ways.
This is what O’Neal unleashed during his appearance on the latest episode of the show big podcast.
Shaq: LeBron is not as threatening as Jordan
after the argument Mario ChalmersA former teammate of James, he noted that opponents don’t seem to be as afraid of James as they are of Jordan or Kobe.
Shaq echoed Chalmers’ words, saying that while he respects James, he doesn’t view him as an intimidating figure on the court.
O’Neal admitted he was “afraid of Mike,” referring to the fear Jordan instilled in his opponents, a feeling shared by Kobe.
“I’ve never really heard any player say they’re afraid of LeBron.”
he claimed.
LeBron responds by setting record
LeBron James responded quickly, but in a subtle, statistical way.
Via Instagram, he shared a remarkable achievement: He scored more than 10 points in consecutive games, surpassing O’Neal’s record.
“Why do I find this so funny?
James commented in his story.
With this move, James underscored his consistency and excellence throughout his career, now in his 21st season, surpassing Shaq’s 19 seasons.
contrasting styles
The exchange highlighted the differences between James and figures like Jordan and Kobe Bryant, who were known for their ruthless competition.
While their pursuit of victory was fraught with conflict and tension, James was praised for his team-focused and cohesive leadership.
In addition to his impressive record as the only player to achieve the above goals, 40,000 points10,000 rebounds and 10,000 assists.
NBA: From fear to admiration
While O’Neal’s comments could be read as a veiled criticism, they also sparked discussion about how perceptions of NBA player identity and success evolve.
According to the newspaper, the James era represents a change in which respect and admiration stem not from fear but from persistence and excellence. brand.
The conversation between two generations of players highlighted how the narrative of bullying and respect has changed in the NBA, presenting James as a paragon of excellence who, while he may not instill fear, inspires universal respect and admiration.
