Shaq: No NBA GOAT Debate Without Kobe - ‘I Get Upset When They Don't Mention Him’

Shaquille O'Neal has once again expressed his respect for Kobe Bryant, stressing that he finds it unthinkable for him not to be included in the discussion for the greatest of all time.

If he were still alive, the legendary Kobe Bryant would have celebrated his 47th birthday on August 23. However, the 'Black Mamba' tragically passed away in 2020 in a helicopter crash, along with his daughter, Gigi.

The legacy he left on global basketball remains indelible, with his spectacular performances on the court inspiring millions of fans. His dedication to the sport established him as a role model for future generations of athletes.

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Kobe Bryant's name is synonymous with the Lakers, having led them to five championships. In the first three, from 2000 to 2002, he was teammates with Shaquille O'Neal. Speaking on the "Straight Game Podcast," the "Diesel" praised his former teammate.

"I get upset when people talk about the GOAT and don't mention Kobe Bryant's name," he stated emphatically as quoted by Yardbarker.

"I don’t care who you pick, whether it’s Michael [Jordan], LeBron [James], 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.”

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