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Shaquille O'Neal chooses LeBron James over Kobe Bryant in recent interview

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 5:48 PM

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

Shaquille O'Neal chooses LeBron James over Kobe Bryant in recent interview

Summary

Shaquille O'Neal, in an interview with the New York Post, selected LeBron James over Kobe Bryant when asked which player he would choose from NBA history, aside from himself. O'Neal, who played with both legends during his career, emphasized that James possessed greatness right from the start, while he believes it took Bryant a few years to reach that level. Despite his successful tenure with Bryant on the Lakers, O'Neal's choice is notable because of his limited time with James at the end of his career in Cleveland. This story is set to be updated with further details.

Source Links

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By the Numbers

•O'Neal played alongside both James and Bryant.
•He praised James' early career performance.
•O'Neal won championships with Bryant in L.A.
•His time with James in Cleveland was not as successful.

Latest Updates

5:48 PMYahoo Sports — Shaquille O'Neal picks between LeBron James and Kobe Bryant

What they're saying

"
If anyone is qualified to choose between NBA legends LeBron James and Kobe Bryant, it's fellow legend Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal played with both Bryant and James over the course of his career, so he has firsthand knowledge and experience with bot guys. In a recent interview with the New York Post, O'Neal was asked what player, other than himself, he would pick if he could choose between every player in league history, and he went with James because of how great he was right from the jump.
— Yahoo Sports

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