Shaquille O'Neal Gets Honest On Why Kobe Bryant Deserves To Be In Every GOAT Conversation - NewsBreak

The modern NBA GOAT conversation often circles around Michael Jordan and LeBron James. While Jordan retired decades ago, LeBron continues to showcase his remarkable longevity and athleticism. One name frequently left out is Kobe Bryant. For Shaquille O’Neal, that exclusion simply doesn’t sit right.

During his appearance on the Straight Game podcast, O’Neal openly expressed his frustration with how the discussion is usually framed. He explained that it bothers him when Kobe’s name isn’t even brought up.

“I get frustrated when people talk about the GOATs of the game and don’t mention Kobe Bryant. I don’t care who you pick, whether it’s Michael, LeBron, or Kobe, but just mention all the names. They just passed him up and went from Mike to LeBron, and they left him out. I would like to hear the recipients in there and then let the people pick,” Shaq said.

Kobe spent his entire 20-year career with the Los Angeles Lakers. He became a franchise icon by leading the team to five NBA championships. His impact continues to resonate so strongly that Warner Bros. is currently developing a biopic to honor his legacy.

On the podcast, O’Neal also drew a direct comparison between Bryant and Jordan. He suggested that Kobe mirrored the six-time champion’s game.

“He’s a carbon copy of Mike, and Mike is the greatest, so he has to be there. But LeBron has done some things, too,” he added.

Shaquille O’Neal Jokes About Mike Bibby’s Muscular Transformation

Shaquille O'Neal Gets Honest On Why Kobe Bryant Deserves To Be In Every GOAT Conversation - NewsBreak
Shaquille O’Neal (Image Credits: X/@shaqtin)
During the recent podcast appearance, Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t help but react to former point guard Mike Bibby’s impressive new look. O’Neal playfully teased Bibby’s bulked-up physique.

“Damn Mike, you on that creatine, ain’t you?” riffed Shaq.

Bibby entered the NBA as the No. 2 overall pick in the 1998 draft with the Vancouver Grizzlies. He went on to enjoy a 14-year career that spanned from 1999 to 2012. O’Neal dominated the league as one of the most dominant big men in history from 1992 to 2011. He overlapped with Bibby for much of his career.