Shaquille Rashaun O’Neal aka Shaq and LeBron James are the two big names of professional NBA players. Both of them are considered the greatest players of NBA history. As both of them had been in the same profession for over 20 years, people often get curious to know “Are Shaq and LeBron friends?”
Well, although Shaq and LeBron have known each other for a long period, they don’t share a strong bond. They share a casual friendship. As both Shaq and LeBron share the same profession, people think they may have a good friendship. But actually, their friendship is pretty much average.
How is Shaq and LeBron’s relationship?
Both Shaq and LeBron are the two legends of the National Basketball Association. But they are not very good friends with each other. They share a formal relationship.
In an interview, LeBron said that he had 3 very good friends in the NBA – Carmelo Anthony, Chris Paul, and Dwyane Wade. The rest is just a bunch of teammates.
Although Shaq and LeBron don’t share a strong bond, they have mutual respect. Sometimes they praise each other and sometimes make fun of each other. When Shaq tweeted regarding his hair loss, LeBron replied that it was because he lost hair for every free shoot he missed.
Related Read: Does Shaq Have a Private Jet
Did LeBron and Shaq play with each other?
The straight answer to the question is yes. Shaq and LeBron played together for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2009-10 season. Shaq was traded to Cleveland Cavaliers from The Phoenix Suns in that season and LeBron had been there since 2003.
They played 53 games together for the Cleveland Cavaliers in that season and lost in the second round of play-off. Shaq’s performance wasn’t quite good in that season and it was the second last season of his basketball career.
Who does Shaq think the GOAT is?
There are few players in the history of professional basketball like Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, Shaq himself who are considered the greatest players of all time.
But there is always a disagreement between Michael Jordan and LeBron James about who is the greatest of all time (GOAT). As a basketball legend himself, Shaq thinks that Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan is the greatest player of all time.
In an interview to ESPN, Shaq said that Michael has paved the way for all great players, and has won 6 championships. Michael went through a hard time, took a break, and won three championships in a row coming back a year later. He is the greatest player of all time.
What does Shaq think of LeBron?
Despite all debates and disagreements, LeBron is undoubtedly one of the greatest NBA players of all time. Although he lags behind Michael in scoring, he surpluses all in rebounds and assists. He has been an All-Star 18 times and selected to the All-NBA Team 17 times.
Shaq also appreciated the greatness and talent of LeBron James as he has accomplished things that an NBA player can think of. Shaq stated that LeBron would be the greatest player of all time if he scores highest in NBA history.
In an interview with Lakers daily, Shaq said, “He has got four rings and becomes the highest scorer in NBA history. He is the best. Ain’t nothing you can say.”
What does LeBron think of Shaq?
Shaq is also one of the most dominating NBA players of all time. He has got 4 championships and has been 3 times NBA Finals MVP. Shaq is also considered one of the greatest NBA players.
LeBron also respects Shaq as an NBA legend. He responded when he was asked about Shaq, “Shaq had an unbelievable career and I am happy for him.”
Who is LeBron James’ best friend?
LeBron’s childhood friend Carmelo Anthony is his best friend. Anthony is also a professional NBA player and is currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers with LeBron. They have been friends since childhood.
LeBron and Anthony have set friendship goals on another level. They met each other in High School and both played high school basketball. They have completed 20 years of their friendship and it’s very rare to see friendship last this long.
Sources:
- https://www.essentiallysports.com/nba-news-miami-heat-when-lebron-james-fell-into-shaquille-oneals-lap-and-stayed-there/ – Their friendship
- https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/looking-back-time-lebron-james-shaquille-o-neal-teammates – Played together, season 2009-10
- https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2890775-shaq-michael-jordan-is-the-goat-paved-the-way-for-current-generation – The GOAT
- https://lakersdaily.com/shaquille-oneal-says-lebron-james-will-go-down-as-the-greatest-nba-player-of-all-time-hes-the-best-ever/ – Shaq on LeBron
