Former Lakers Star Shades LeBron James in GOAT Debate

Former Laker legend reveals the reason why LeBron James can never be called the GOAT.

There is no denying that LeBron James is one of the greatest basketball players to ever step on a court. The current Los Angeles Lakers phenom is still setting records, even at 39 years old. His most recent is that he has now crossed 40,000 career points. 

Still, there is always a heated debate about who should be coined the greatest of all time. The usual answer is Michael Jordan, who went on a run with the Chicago Bulls that might never be replicated. James is among those names on that list along with fellow Lakers legend, Kobe Bryant. 

While this debate has been ongoing for years among fans, analysts and former players often speak their minds about who their GOAT is. One such player is NBA and Lakers legend, Shaquille O'Neal. O'Neal spoke about the GOAT conversation and why James is not on the same level as Bryant and Jordan.

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"I've heard players say, including myself, 'I feared Mike.' I've never really heard any players say that they fear LeBron. I never heard anybody say it."

via Shaquille O'Neal, The Big Pod with Shaq

Shaq is referring to the intimidation factor that both Bryant and Jordan had, mainly Jordan. Jordan's presence on the court was enough to turn most players into insecure versions of themselves. 

Shaq did indicate that James is too nice, and while that does not equate to not being feared, it could be his relaxed temperament that makes him less of a GOAT then Jordan or Bryant. 

Regardless of opinions, James is still one of the greatest to do it. Shaq knows this, as does the rest of the NBA-loving world. Whoever the GOAT is, James should still be mentioned as a contender.