The Los Angeles Lakers have produced several NBA legends, including Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Shaquille O’Neal, and LeBron James, with whom they have a strained relationship.
Kareem Abdul Jabbar, as a prominent critic, demonstrated some uncanny perspective when it comes to the Lakers’ legends. Previously, he criticized Lebron James’s social media activity and claimed the latter doesn’t use it for meaningful purposes. But after LeBron broke the record for most points scored, it seems the first ever GOAT has become a fan of the King.
Along with that, we knew about the monster Shaquille O’Neal’s beef, in which he was somewhat insane for getting Abdul Jabbar approval in his playing time.
What happened between Kareem Abdul Jabbar and Shaquille O’Neal that enthralled the NBA?
After the Lakers’ game against the Thunder in Oklahoma City, when King James broke the 75-year-old’s all-time scoring record, his predecessor handed him a ball, resulting in one of the most iconic photos in NBA history.
Even the GOAT made peace with another big man, Shaq, in the postgame, saying, “I want to tell Shaq, I ask you specifically this evening because you felt that I was ashamed of you or ignoring you—that would never be the case.”
“And you showed what you were all about the way you crushed all the centers in the league for a couple of years there,” Kareem continued. “So I’m on your side Shaq, don’t ever let anybody tell you anything different.”
Our hearts were warmed by the final statement; even the 7.1-foot giant became emotional on his live show on TNT. He said, “You not speaking to me was the best thing that happened to my career because all I wanted to do was impress you. I love you very much and will never have beef with the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.”
Oneal played eight years for the Lakers and won three NBA titles, three NBA finals MVPs, five NBA all-stars, and the NBA scoring title once. The 50-year-old is even eighth on the NBA’s all-time scoring list with 28596 points.
The similarities and dissimilarities among these legends and their perspectives based on these attributes are really fascinating to us, fans. Whatever the case, we will cherish, enjoy, and relish their memories and performances at the end of the day.
What are your thoughts on Shaquille O’Neal and Kareem Abdul Jabbar’s love for each other? Let us know in the comments.
