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• Updated Jun 14, 2026 at 12:32pm

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Shaquille O'Neal on Stephen Curry

Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal just dropped a take that is sure to ruffle some feathers.

In an exclusive interview with the New York Post, O’Neal was asked who he would take out of every player in NBA history if he were a general manager with the No. 1 overall pick, and he picked a guy he has previously played with.

Shaquille O’Neal says he Would Pick LeBron James over Kobe Bryant

GettyLONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 27: LeBron James (L) and Kobe Bryant (R) look on during a basketball press conference ahead of the London 2012 Olympics on July 27, 2012 in London, England. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement (Photo by Jeff Gross/Getty Images)

Surprisingly enough, O’Neal didn’t pick the player he won multiple championships with in L.A. in Kobe Bryant. Instead, he picked one of Bryant’s chief rivals and current Lakers star LeBron James.

James is a much more well-rounded player than Bryant ever was, but O’Neal’s rationale for his pick was based on how good both players were upon entering the league. While James assumed that role of bona fide star immediately upon entering the league with the Cavaliers, it took Bryant a bit to ascend to that status with the Lakers.

“I’d probably go with [LeBron James] because Bron — and I know this is a Kobe [Bryant] comparison — Bron had it when he came in,” O’Neal said. “It took Kobe two or three years to get it. Bron had it when he came in, so I’d probably go with Bron.”

This story will be updated.