Shaquille O’Neal stirs up the goat conversation by crowning Michael Jordan and putting Kobe Bryant over LeBron James

When an icon like Shaquille O’Neal releases an all-time top 10 list, the basketball world stops and listens, and then debates over it. During a segment in the Netflix docuseries Power Moves, the "Big Diesel" sparked immediate controversy among NBA fans by ranking Michael Jordan as the undisputed greatest of all time, while notably placing his former teammate Kobe Bryant ahead of LeBron James. Shaq’s list prioritizes a specific era of dominance and a killer instinct that defines his view of the sport’s hierarchy.

Shaquille O’Neal’s top 10 players of all time

Shaq’s appearance on the Netflix features brought a storm of surprises when he named his top 10 greatest players of all time. Some fans might find their faves absent from the list, and some might feel discontented with the rankings. The Goat debate will continue to be a point of contention amongst the NBA fans.


Shaq’s list shows a blend of modern statistical giants and pioneers who built the league's foundation. He jokingly placed himself at 10 but then replaced his own name with the great Julius Erving, followed by the consistency of Tim Duncan at nine and the footwork of Hakeem Olajuwon at eight, the player Shaq often cites as his toughest opponent. The middle of the pack features a heavy presence from the 1960s and 80s: Larry Bird (7), Wilt Chamberlain (6), and Bill Russell (5).

Moving into the elite tier, Shaq places Magic Johnson at four, leaving the final three spots for the most heated debate in modern sports. The top 3 placement might step on some toes as Shaw placed LeBron James at third, a position that many of his fans will find low given his all-time scoring record. At 2, Shaq put the late Kobe Bryant, appreciating his killer instincts and mamba mentality. Michael Jordan was placed on the top of the pyramid whom Shaq called “the greatest of all time.”

Why Shaq placed MJ at the top

Michael Jordan’s placement at number could be the reflection of the Netflix’s feature series Power Moves as Jordan’s life and career was defined by dominant and powerful moves both on and off the court. For NBA fans, Shaq’s ranking is a reminder that in the eyes of many 90s legends, MJ’s six-for-six Finals record and cultural impact remain the gold benchmark that hasn't been surpassed. By placing Kobe over LeBron, Shaq emphasizes that while LeBron has the longevity, the pure scoring aggression and competitive fire of Jordan and Bryant represent the true peak of basketball excellence.

Also read: The Sacramento Kings take a dig at LeBron James’ patch debut after it ended in a blowout loss

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