is LeBron James better than Prime Shaq?

[Birmingham1955]

LeBron is regarded as the best player in today's game, is he better than Prime Shaq?

[Lebron23]

Nope

Shaq is the the most dominant force in NBA History.

[Lakers13]

If you got to watch Prime Shaq, you wouldn't even be asking this question.

[rodman91]

Anyone who watched NBA in late 90s and early 00's knows truth.

[donald_trump]

i think its a lot closer than some will go on to make it out to be.

a prime lebron with any cast proved to be a championship contender. much like shaq in that regard. i think theyre the two best players at carrying weak sqauds to wins.

[Nash-tastic]

i think its a lot closer than some will go on to make it out to be.

a prime lebron with any cast proved to be a championship contender. much like shaq in that regard. i think theyre the two best players at carrying weak sqauds to wins.
No its not.

OP have you watched Prime Shaq play?

[Soundwave]

Prime Shaq is better than anyone in the NBA right now.

Not on a knock on the player's of today, but Shaq was just a freak of nature.

[G-Funk]

no

[Toizumi]

No. Remember, Shaq made 4 straight finals.. missed one year (eliminated the ECF) and won the championship the year after. It's not like he rode Wade to a chip either, Shaq was 2nd in MVP voting that year... With him on the team, you were assured of succes. LeBron is great, but doesnt influence a game like prime Shaq did.

Even against good defensive bigs, Shaq was always a match up problem. Also, a great big guy>a great wing player. You couldnt stop him. He'd give you close to 28, 12 and 3BPG and he'd shoot great percentages.

[Gabuyaux]

http://28.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_lk31jcGz1U1qjq9u9o1_400.jpg

[rodman91]

Prime Shaq was equal winning.He could have 40 points 20 rebounds 8 block game and still stats couldn't show his impact of the game. He was a cheat code more than a player.

[coin24]

http://www.gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs2/1117135_o.gif


Anyone who questions prime shaq deserves this...

Do people on here even actually watch games anymore?? From posts it seems they just check the box score for the ft discrepency:confusedshrug:

Prime shaq crapped all over everybody. He could not be stopped. Im a fan of Lebron but come on, he is nowhere close to the dominance of shaq.

[High Roller]

Really? ISH undervalues LeBron that much? An athletic freak of nature with ridiculous ball handling and court vision (relative to size) with an above average jumper and an uncanny ability of getting to the rim and drawing fouls who can play 3-4 positions.

That being said the answer is obviously Shaq, but please, don't act like they're in completely different leagues.

[xoneatom]

first of all, this is worse than kobe vs jordan. these two guys aren't even remotely alike. plus, you are comparing a hall of famer and an unproven young player.

[ZeN]

2001 Shaq.. unstoppable..

[chains5000]

LeBron is regarded as the best player in today's game, is he better than Prime Shaq?
http://valleyofthesuns.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/06/shaq-laughing.bmp

[Eldrunko247]

Prime Shaq would eat Lebron for lunch.

[ballerz]

no prime Shaq was the definition of beast

[rodman91]

Really? ISH undervalues LeBron that much? An athletic freak of nature with ridiculous ball handling and court vision (relative to size) with an above average jumper and an uncanny ability of getting to the rim and drawing fouls who can play 3-4 positions.

That being said the answer is obviously Shaq, but please, don't act like their in completely different leagues.

Lebron needs to develop Magic Johnson level BBIQ,court vision and post skills to compared with Shaq's impact.

He might have better rank in Goat lists than Shaq after his career done if he gets some rings and mvps but Goat lists are not telling true story all the time.

I'm not a Lakers fan and i hated Shaq because he prevented competition in early 00's similar to Jordan in 90's.He could make a goat level center to look like a poster guy.

[mateoboz]

LeBron is great, but it isn't even close. I have NEVER, in all my years of watching the NBA, seen a player effect the game so much on both ends just by his mere presence on the floor like prime Shaq. It was amazing to watch.

[blacknapalm]

LeBron is great, but it isn't even close. I have NEVER, in all my years of watching the NBA, seen a player effect the game so much on both ends just by his mere presence on the floor like prime Shaq. It was amazing to watch.

this and i can't believe people that say that guys other than kobe would have taken over on shaq-led teams. not even a kobe defender here, but shaq was just the best player in the league in that time. if he didn't get 23+ and 11+, something was wrong. on defense, he roamed the paint like a menace. never a great a pick n' roll defender, but it was serviceable. then he hit FT's when it mattered. lebron could probably do more but shaq was more dominant.

[Nash]

Two completely different players. Shaq is a big dominant man while Lebron is dominant in another way. Lebron is a triple double machine.

[HighFlyer23]

Prime Kobe >>>>

[alenleomessi]

23 pages, 15 of them about kobe

[pauk]

once again idiots (lebron haters) and people who simply overrate history/oldschool who say shaq was better than lebron .......

they are extremly different players and impacted the game different ways first of all.... but the domination/productions/impact was pretty much equal..... if shaq was better or if lebron was better... the gap would still be microscopic....

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9021/92683527.jpg

[az00m]

once again idiots (lebron haters) and people who simply overrate history/oldschool who say shaq was better than lebron .......

they are extremly different players and impacted the game different ways first of all.... but the domination/productions/impact was pretty much equal..... if shaq was better or if lebron was better... the gap would still be microscopic....

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9021/92683527.jpg

shaq overstayed his limit 5 years.

[jbryan1984]

Hell no he aint.

[lakerspng]

this is a joke right?

[lxlHoTsAuSelxl]

Bring back all the players from 1980 and start a new draft. The safest pick would be Shaq then Mj 2nd to build a ring team.

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

once again idiots (lebron haters) and people who simply overrate history/oldschool who say shaq was better than lebron .......

they are extremly different players and impacted the game different ways first of all.... but the domination/productions/impact was pretty much equal..... if shaq was better or if lebron was better... the gap would still be microscopic....

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9021/92683527.jpg

:oldlol:

[PowerGlove]

I would say its closer than you think. I cant name more than maybe five players ever that would carry those 60 win teams anywhere near that win total.

[lakerspng]

Shaq was the most unstoppable force ever to set foot on a basketball court. In his prime with the Lakers, he simply could not be denied. It's not a knock on anyone else to say they're not better than that. He embarassed legends (Robinson, Duncan, Ewing) on a daily basis. Reduced grown men to crying on National TV (poor Sabonis). Shaq was an epic beast.

[pegasus]

No way. If he were, he would have won the chip the last two years.

[kaiiu]

Lebrons not even better than PRIME KOBE let alone the most dominant force ever :oldlol:

[Harison]

:facepalm

[824]

I guess it could be a different story in 10 years but right now Shaq was much more dominant, I personally haven't seen anyone dominant like him other than MJ, and Kobe when he'd get in godmode.

[Clippersfan86]

How about tards stay off efficiency ratings and stats. Those of us that watched prime Shaq know the answer is Shaq. Lebron may be an incredible all around player but he DOES NOT impact games like Shaq did. Shaq would drop 40 on your defensive player of the year without even trying. He would make Mutombo, Zo, Ratliff, Robinson, Duncan and even Ben Wallace his ***** on a regular basis.

Unlike Lebron who has games where guys like Granger and Ryan Gomes shut Lebron down... I can't remember a single game where Shaq was shutdown or held in check. He was SO SO strong I can't even explain to someone who didn't watch. If Shaq bumped a player they went flying. He was twice as imposing, strong and dominant as Dwight Howard is now. Even 38 year old Shaq a year or two ago was pushing Dwight around in the post to give you an idea of how powerful he was.

[Hittin_Shots]

once again idiots (lebron haters) and people who simply overrate history/oldschool who say shaq was better than lebron .......

they are extremly different players and impacted the game different ways first of all.... but the domination/productions/impact was pretty much equal..... if shaq was better or if lebron was better... the gap would still be microscopic....

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/9021/92683527.jpg

It wasn't even that oldschool man and it was much more domination, did u not watch it?

[rodman91]

http://heystupid.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/shaq-fu-2.gif?w=300&h=261

Shaq Fu vs LeCrab

[blablabla]

yeah....not really

[inclinerator]

he had potential to be but not anymore

[Hittin_Shots]

http://heystupid.files.wordpress.com/2009/03/shaq-fu-2.gif?w=300&h=261

Shaq Fu vs LeCrab

I think I have this game.

[rodman91]

How about tards stay off efficiency ratings and stats. Those of us that watched prime Shaq know the answer is Shaq. Lebron may be an incredible all around player but he DOES NOT impact games like Shaq did. Shaq would drop 40 on your defensive player of the year without even trying. He would make Mutombo, Zo, Ratliff, Robinson, Duncan and even Ben Wallace his ***** on a regular basis.

Unlike Lebron who has games where guys like Granger and Ryan Gomes shut Lebron down... I can't remember a single game where Shaq was shutdown or held in check. He was SO SO strong I can't even explain to someone who didn't watch. If Shaq bumped a player they went flying. He was twice as imposing, strong and dominant as Dwight Howard is now. Even 38 year old Shaq a year or two ago was pushing Dwight around in the post to give you an idea of how powerful he was.
http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/basketball/nba/02/23/roundtable/cavs-magic-roundtable.jpg

Shaq made Howard look like tiny guy.Laker's shaq was even bigger than older version.

[Clippersfan86]

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/si/2010/basketball/nba/02/23/roundtable/cavs-magic-roundtable.jpg

Shaq made Howard look like tiny guy.Laker's shaq was even bigger than older version.

Remember couple days ago someone posted a pic of Shaq sitting next to 290 pound Perk on the bench and Shaq was so much bigger, broader in the shoulders? LOL. He makes guys like Perk and Dwight look small for sure...Even when he was 305 as a rookie he's just so powerfully built. No chicken legs like Dwight..

[crisoner]

Love how people bring in dumb stats...

Shaq has won championships and dominated the NBA like no other...he has beating great teams in doing so.

LeBron.....no rings no Finals MVP's and only team worth mentioning he has defeated in the playoffs are the Pistons. Most of those other teams he was able to stat pad on had below .500 regular season records.


Please never compare a career of a champion to LeBron.

[Dragonyeuw]

No. Remember, Shaq made 4 straight finals.. missed one year (eliminated the ECF) and won the championship the year after. It's not like he rode Wade to a chip either, Shaq was 2nd in MVP voting that year...




Partially right.... he made 3 straight 2000,2001, 2002( in 2003 The Spurs beat the Lakers) then in 2004( lost to the Pistons). And he was second in MVP voting in 2004-2005( behind Nash). The Heat won in 2005-2006.

But yeah, Prime Shaq was insane. There was no answer for him except to foul him. He was unstoppable.

[Disaprine]

LeBron is regarded as the best player in today's game, is he better than Prime Shaq?
:roll: :roll: :roll:

[OldSchoolBBall]

Easily Shaq. He's not on a different level completely, but it's definitely CLEARLY Shaq. Lebron is getting somewhat overrated imo.

[pegasus]

Here's the difference:

Shaq dominated the entire league -- Lebron dominates his own teammates

[D.J.]

When LeBron starts averaging 30/15, is an automatic two points or foul line trip when within 5 feet of the hoop, and wins 3 Finals MVPs, then we'll talk.

[Sarcastic]

Love how people bring in dumb stats...

Shaq has won championships and dominated the NBA like no other...he has beating great teams in doing so.

LeBron.....no rings no Finals MVP's and only team worth mentioning he has defeated in the playoffs are the Pistons. Most of those other teams he was able to stat pad on had below .500 regular season records.


Please never compare a career of a champion to LeBron.

If Lebron wins a championship this year, then is the comparison valid?

[vert48]

Here's the difference:

Shaq dominated the entire league -- Lebron dominates his own teammatesHe tried to dominate Delonte, so Delonte dominated his mom.

[D.J.]

If Lebron wins a championship this year, then is the comparison valid?


Hardly. Shaq won titles as the number one option and won Finals MVP in each of the Lakers championships. Even if LeBron wins it this year, he didn't do it by himself and you can argue Wade is outplaying him right now.

[Sarcastic]

Hardly. Shaq won titles as the number one option and won Finals MVP in each of the Lakers championships. Even if LeBron wins it this year, he didn't do it by himself and you can argue Wade is outplaying him right now.

Shaq had the greatest number 2 man in the history of the NBA, so it's not like he didn't have help either.

What if Lebron puts up monster stats in the finals, and wins Finals MVP?

I am not a Lebron fan btw.

[D.J.]

Shaq had the greatest number 2 man in the history of the NBA, so it's not like he didn't have help either.


Shaq put up ridiculous numbers and was still the leader over Kobe. Phil Jackson even acknowledged it. Every superstar had help when they won it all. Jordan had Pippen, Kareem had Oscar and Magic, Wilt had West, Magic had Kareem, Bird had McHale.



What if Lebron puts up monster stats in the finals, and wins Finals MVP?


He's still not on prime Shaq level.

[crisoner]

If Lebron wins a championship this year, then is the comparison valid?

Nope

needs to win at least 3 IMO.

Then we can talk.

[FindingTim]

the better question is was prime Shaq as valuable as prime Jordan?

[Sarcastic]

Nope

needs to win at least 3 IMO.

Then we can talk.

Shaq didn't win his first till he was 27. Let's also not forget that Shaq was considered a loser until he finally won the first one with Kobe, who finally grew up and developed, and Phil Jackson. Remember that up until that first championship, his teams had actually been swept out of every single playoff run.

Again, I am not a Lebron fan, but the disrespect towards him is getting out of hand. In 2008-9 he put up 35/9/7 in the playoffs. During that entire season he put up 30/8/7. These are absolutely monster stats. He's not chopped liver like people make him out to be.

[lilgodfather1]

It is not a far comparison. The comparison is like Melo to LeBron. It is obvious who the better player is, but it's not like it's a bad comparison. But Prime Shaq is the best player in NBA history.

[Sarcastic]

It is not a far comparison. The comparison is like Melo to LeBron. It is obvious who the better player is, but it's not like it's a bad comparison. But Prime Shaq is the best player in NBA history.

This is not even remotely true.

[lilgodfather1]

This is not even remotely true.
2001 Shaq could take me to an NBA championship, what other player could?

I don't mean Shaq is the best player ever, because I think Magic/Jordan are the best ever. I mean Shaq in his prime is the best player in NBA history.

[e-LIMON-ators]

Prime Shaq is the greatest player to ever play the game. He was so dominant, no one could stop him. The closest thing to an unstoppable force I have ever seen.

[Kobe24Clutch]

Lebron better than PRIME Shaq? :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

[Kobe24Clutch]

A Prime shaq would send dwight howard flying into the stands with a bump. :lol

[Sarcastic]

Prime Shaq is the greatest player to ever play the game. He was so dominant, no one could stop him. The closest thing to an unstoppable force I have ever seen.

You are saying his prime was 2000-2003 only? Because he was stopped every year before that.

[eazyduzzit10]

http://www.gifsoup.com/webroot/animatedgifs2/1117135_o.gif


Anyone who questions prime shaq deserves this...

Do people on here even actually watch games anymore?? From posts it seems they just check the box score for the ft discrepency:confusedshrug:

Prime shaq crapped all over everybody. He could not be stopped. Im a fan of Lebron but come on, he is nowhere close to the dominance of shaq.

Ahahahaha loving the gif

[O BaByShaQ]

Nope

Shaq is the the most dominant force in NBA History.

Amen.

[kkling]

hell no.

[ThaSwagg3r]

No, Shaq had arguably the most dominant prime ever. What Shaq did in 2000 >>>>>>>> Anything LeBron ever has and ever will accomplish.

[eliteballer]

:roll: Hell he isn't better than Prime Garnett

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

the better question is was prime Shaq as valuable as prime Jordan?

Nope he was more valuable

[crisoner]

This is a better prime then both....


http://images20.fotki.com/v384/photos/7/701290/4555494/IMG_0146-vi.jpg

Man food damn it!!!

[Odinn]

If you got to watch Prime Shaq, you wouldn't even be asking this question.
:cheers:

[emaugust]

Look, Prime Shaq could defensively lock down prime Lebron. Lebron on the other hand, could not lock down Shaq. I think that says it all.

Edit: Lebron can shoot a better free throw for what that is worth.

[NBASTATMAN]

LeBron is regarded as the best player in today's game, is he better than Prime Shaq?


Lebron isn't the best player anymore and even at his best was not in Shaq's league..

[donald_trump]

:roll: Hell he isn't better than Prime Garnett
:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll:

keep dreaming kobe lover.

prime james>prime garnett.

a prime lebron james is arguably a top 6 basketball player ever along with jordan, shaq, bird, wilt, kareem.

[pauk]

if prime jordan/oscar/bird were better than prime shaq............ THEN YES

[FKAri]

Michael Jordan wasn't better than prime Shaq.

so....
/thread.

[Jordan23GOAT]

2001 Shaq.. unstoppable..
THIS

[Zach Morris]

Is LeBron better than, who??


Are you high???? :oldlol: :oldlol: :oldlol:

[Mr. I'm So Rad]

if prime jordan/oscar/bird were better than prime shaq............ THEN YES

I see what you did there :oldlol:

[SavageMode]

Shaq > Lebron > Kobe basically.

[FindingTim]

Prime Shaq is the greatest player to ever play the game. He was so dominant, no one could stop him. The closest thing to an unstoppable force I have ever seen.

I actually agree-- an unpopular opinion though, I am sure.

[Tlova]

Really? ISH undervalues LeBron that much? An athletic freak of nature with ridiculous ball handling and court vision (relative to size) with an above average jumper and an uncanny ability of getting to the rim and drawing fouls who can play 3-4 positions.

That being said the answer is obviously Shaq, but please, don't act like they're in completely different leagues.
Put it this way if Prime Shaq was on the celtics now their would be no discussion of who would be winning the chip.

[LilEddyCurry]

LeBron is regarded as the best player in today's game, is he better than Prime Shaq?
I agree with the first part, but Shaq was so dominant and better than Lebron for sure.

[Force]

If you got to watch Prime Shaq, you wouldn't even be asking this question.

Exactly.

It's like when people ask if Duncan was better than Prime Shaq or is Kobe was the better than a Prime Shaq. It's laughable. Prime Shaq will never again be seen. Plus the rules are too different for a big man to disrupt defenses the same way.

[AirJordan&Magic]

Anyone that witnessed prime Shaq play and is actually even attempting to argue towards LeBron needs their head examined.

[Sakkreth]

To different players to compare correctly.

[Sarcastic]

Michael Jordan wasn't better than prime Shaq.

so....
/thread.

Yes he was.

[Clippersfan86]

Yes he was.

Nope. Not close to true. Prime Shaq had the most dominant, greatest prime of any player in league history. You could send 3-4 defenders at him.. and he would still dunk on you with guys hanging on him. Problem is Shaq's prime only lasted like 3-4 seasons while Jordan's lasted 10. That's the difference. If Shaq somehow maintained his prime for 7+ seasons he would easily be considered the greatest player of all time.

[Sarcastic]

Nope. Not close to true. Prime Shaq had the most dominant, greatest prime of any player in league history. You could send 3-4 defenders at him.. and he would still dunk on you with guys hanging on him. Problem is Shaq's prime only lasted like 3-4 seasons while Jordan's lasted 10. That's the difference. If Shaq somehow maintained his prime for 7+ seasons he would easily be considered the greatest player of all time.

So you are telling me Shaq's prime was only the 3 years following Jordan's retirement? How convenient.

[YAWN]

this can't be serious :roll:

[jdm_dc_fan]

I remember shaq doing a put back while 2 guys where literally hanging off of him. Don't think he made the free throw though.

Prime shaq is dwight howard with more mass, more offense and more ball intelligence. He looks goofy faced but dood isn't dumb.

[rmt]

There were few players more dominant than a prime Shaq, and Lebron is not one of them. Isn't it ironic that both Kobe and Lebron played with him? Too bad Lebron got the short end of the stick.

[jdm_dc_fan]

Nope. Not close to true. Prime Shaq had the most dominant, greatest prime of any player in league history. You could send 3-4 defenders at him.. and he would still dunk on you with guys hanging on him. Problem is Shaq's prime only lasted like 3-4 seasons while Jordan's lasted 10. That's the difference. If Shaq somehow maintained his prime for 7+ seasons he would easily be considered the greatest player of all time.
Prime shaq definitely had more impact. But the fact that he was a center gives some reason to put him under Jordan. BTW we are talking about one person making an impact in a game.

Prime Shaq>lebron, dwight, wade, durant, rose, kobe.

[Ruh-Roh]

**** no. Are you serious, OP??

[rodman91]

Nope. Not close to true. Prime Shaq had the most dominant, greatest prime of any player in league history. You could send 3-4 defenders at him.. and he would still dunk on you with guys hanging on him. Problem is Shaq's prime only lasted like 3-4 seasons while Jordan's lasted 10. That's the difference. If Shaq somehow maintained his prime for 7+ seasons he would easily be considered the greatest player of all time.

I disagree. Hack a Shaq, double teaming and having a good low post defender could slow him down little bit while there is no way to slow jordan unless he was having off night.

Bulls,Jazz,Spurs were able to slow him down or at least took his dominance for a while.

His game style making him look more dominant than Jordan.But Jordan was almost had similar %FG numbers while averaging more points as a wing player without depending on 3pts.Also Jordan's was more dominant at defensive end,clutch situations.Add that BBIQ,court vision against double teaming.

Of course that doesn't take away anything from prime Shaq.He is in top 5 at dominance.

[olddangerfield]

i think its a lot closer than some will go on to make it out to be.

a prime lebron with any cast proved to be a championship contender. much like shaq in that regard. i think theyre the two best players at carrying weak sqauds to wins.

rofl slow down there sonny, Lebron had a pretty decent supporting cast in Cleveland his last 3 years that he was there. He got swept in the Finals by an aging SA team while shooting close to 25%. There wasn't even a close game in the series. He also squandered opportunities with 2 60+ win teams, being knocked out in the 2nd round last season. If he doesnt win it all this year I don't know how the Lebron fanboys will defend him this time, Wade/Bosh overrated? Even though Wade/Bosh in '11 greatly outshines Kobe in '00. This is not to mention that he specifically choose out a franchise with a hall of fame coach/manager and to be sidekick to an already proven winner and Finals MVP.

[Miserio]

2000-03-06 28-000 LAL @ LAC
Shaq:

61 points
23 Rebounds
FGA:35
FG: 24
FG%: 68%

[jdm_dc_fan]

2000-03-06 28-000 LAL @ LAC
Shaq:

61 points
23 Rebounds
FGA:35
FG: 24
FG%: 68%
thats automatic

[Lebron23]

There were few players more dominant than a prime Shaq, and Lebron is not one of them. Isn't it ironic that both Kobe and Lebron played with him? Too bad Lebron got the short end of the stick.

He played with a 38 yrs.old Shaq. By the way if the Heat wins a couple of NBA Championships and if LeBron and Wade put up better stats than Prime Duncan in the Finals. I think they are capable of surpassing him in the all time lists.

[olddangerfield]

He played with a 38 yrs.old Shaq. By the way if the Heat wins a couple of NBA Championships and if LeBron and Wade put up better stats than Prime Duncan in the Finals. I think they are capable of surpassing him in the all time lists.
lol no. Duncan is one man, who took teams far less talented than the Heat to 4 championships while coming up big in the clutch time after time. Wade is already a proven winner, but Lebron's rings will mean nothing considering he gave up trying to win on his own and acknowledged that he needed an already proven Finals MVP to even get close to winning 1.

[Lebron23]

lol no. Duncan is one man, who took teams far less talented than the Heat to 4 championships while coming up big in the clutch time after time. Wade is already a proven winner, but Lebron's rings will mean nothing considering he gave up trying to win on his own and acknowledged that he needed an already proven Finals MVP to even get close to winning 1.

Same can be said about Kobe first 3 championship rings with the Lakers. Kobe was already 31 yrs.old when he won his first NBA Finals MVP.

[Harion]

LBJ is better than prime Shaq? in some aspects yes. but as far as being dominant, no. Shaq was just a freak of nature that you cannot stop. but there are some things LBJ is better at than prime Shaq. passing, shooting, driving. Shaq was just more, more dominant and had a bigger impact than Lebron could ever or would ever have. Lebron is also a better businessman and showman than Shaq. hell, he had the whole world tune in to him dissing Cleveland and that show sold. idc about how much negativity it got, that show sold. his chalk toss is just a page taken right out of a showman's book.

[olddangerfield]

Same can be said about Kobe first 3 championship rings with the Lakers. Kobe was already 31 yrs.old when he won his first NBA Finals MVP.

Yea, and Jordan was 28 when he won his first championship, your point? Sorry if I fail to see the similarities between someone who has played for an organization his entire career, through the good and the bad, and demanded that players be developed around him instead of giving up the 1st option role and teaming up with two superstars, one of which has already won a championship and Finals MVP on his own. By doing these actions what Lebron is essentially saying is that he can't handle the pressure by himself and needs other superstars, especially those who have proven that they are winners on their own.

[Sarcastic]

I am fine with Shaq being more dominant than Lebron, but he was not more dominant than Jordan. MJ led the league in scoring every freaking year that he played the entire season from the age of 23 on.

When it comes to pure dominance there is Wilt + MJ, and then everyone else.

[ronniec]

Prime Shaq won championships... Lebron???

[Lebron23]

Prime Shaq won championships... Lebron???

He's 26 yrs.old. He still has plenty of time to win an NBA Championship.

[Lebron23]

Yea, and Jordan was 28 when he won his first championship, your point? Sorry if I fail to see the similarities between someone who has played for an organization his entire career, through the good and the bad, and demanded that players be developed around him instead of giving up the 1st option role and teaming up with two superstars, one of which has already won a championship and Finals MVP on his own. By doing these actions what Lebron is essentially saying is that he can't handle the pressure by himself and needs other superstars, especially those who have proven that they are winners on their own.

What's your point? Even Shaq couldn't win an NBA title with the Orlando Magic. 1995 Magic >>>>>>>>>>> 2009 and 2010 Cavaliers. You need another top 10-15 player if you want to win an NBA title. By the way the Lakers and Heat will never happen because the Lakers are going downnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn in the Western Conference Playoffs.

[ILLsmak]

In reality prime Shaq was better than prime Jordan because he impacted the game in more ways.

The only reason Shaq isn't regarded as better is straight hate. There are a lot of players that should not even be mentioned as better than Shaq... and while LeBron is amazing, he's not better than Shaq.

There are few players and I'd say none in the modern era (including Jordan...) that impacted the game as much as Shaq did. Shaq is just a big body now... and he still is good enough to start in the NBA and impact the game by throwing his body. In his prime, he had skills, he was quick, and he had touch on post moves. Imagine Dwight Howard but bigger and more skilled and meaner.

Like Shaq said... he was never scared of anyone. And every team threw every body they could at him. In the offseason all of the contending teams would sign big bodies just to throw at Shaq and foul him.


Edit: Look: http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=jordami01&p2=onealsh01 MJ Put 64 on Shaq's squad... in a loss, though. There isn't a huge sample size, but if you look at the stats Jordan didn't play well overall against Shaq. And Jordan was a great midrange player... that's proof of the overall impact of Shaq, in my opinion.

-Smak

[Dbrog]

I am fine with Shaq being more dominant than Lebron, but he was not more dominant than Jordan. MJ led the league in scoring every freaking year that he played the entire season from the age of 23 on.

When it comes to pure dominance there is Wilt + MJ, and then everyone else.

I never thought I'd say this but...you are overrating Jordan. He was in no way, on either end of the court, as dominant as Shaq prime. Shaq DEMOLISHED every single person in the league on a nightly basis. In 2001, he led the Lakers to the most dominant championship I've ever seen. He shat on everyone and the Lakers only lost 1 game (to Iverson's 76ers) that entire post-season. Jordan simply was not able to have this sort of effect (since he was a SG and not a C). Don't get me wrong, MJ was a cold-blooded SOB that was literally unstoppable, but prime Shaq was just another kind of beast. What's even scarier, is that Shaq was always a lazy motherfacker and could've been much better than he was (almost uncomprehendable). Everyone has their weaknesses I suppose.

[10x91= 5 Rings]

I never thought I'd say this but...you are overrating Jordan. He was in no way, on either end of the court, as dominant as Shaq prime. Shaq DEMOLISHED every single person in the league on a nightly basis. In 2001, he led the Lakers to the most dominant championship I've ever seen. He shat on everyone and the Lakers only lost 1 game (to Iverson's 76ers) that entire post-season. Jordan simply was not able to have this sort of effect (since he was a SG and not a C). Don't get me wrong, MJ was a cold-blooded SOB that was literally unstoppable, but prime Shaq was just another kind of beast. What's even scarier, is that Shaq was always a lazy motherfacker and could've been much better than he was (almost uncomprehendable). Everyone has their weaknesses I suppose.

Shaq was just big and strong as hell,but I have a question? who had a bigger basketball IQ.who would make his teammates better.who would you trust to make the right decision when it`s crunchtime.who would have won the mental game if challenged?

[Birmingham1955]

In reality prime Shaq was better than prime Jordan because he impacted the game in more ways.

The only reason Shaq isn't regarded as better is straight hate. There are a lot of players that should not even be mentioned as better than Shaq... and while LeBron is amazing, he's not better than Shaq.
There are few players and I'd say none in the modern era (including Jordan...) that impacted the game as much as Shaq did. Shaq is just a big body now... and he still is good enough to start in the NBA and impact the game by throwing his body. In his prime, he had skills, he was quick, and he had touch on post moves. Imagine Dwight Howard but bigger and more skilled and meaner.

Like Shaq said... he was never scared of anyone. And every team threw every body they could at him. In the offseason all of the contending teams would sign big bodies just to throw at Shaq and foul him.


Edit: Look: http://www.basketball-reference.com/play-index/h2h_finder.cgi?request=1&p1=jordami01&p2=onealsh01 MJ Put 64 on Shaq's squad... in a loss, though. There isn't a huge sample size, but if you look at the stats Jordan didn't play well overall against Shaq. And Jordan was a great midrange player... that's proof of the overall impact of Shaq, in my opinion.

-Smak

Your an idiot. Your taking Jordan's last really dominate statistical season in 93' Then his late run and his Wizard run to compare with Prime Shaq's numbers.

Everyone knows Jordan dominated every phase of the game before Phil Jackson came in and enforced the triangle offense. The highest APG in the Triangle offense is only 7 apg. It is all ball movement and not pick and rolls.

In 89' when Jordan was moved to PG he was a walking 30/10/10 the last half of the season.

[AirJordan&Magic]

There were few players more dominant than a prime Shaq, and Lebron is not one of them. Isn't it ironic that both Kobe and Lebron played with him? Too bad Lebron got the short end of the stick.

The only players in the history of the game that I can actually argue, during their prime, was better that a prime Shaquille O'neal are....

Kareem Abdul Jabbar, Michael Jordan, and Wilt Chamberlain. And that's arguable, imo.

[ILLsmak]

Your an idiot. Your taking Jordan's last really dominate statistical season in 93' Then his late run and his Wizard run to compare with Prime Shaq's numbers.

Everyone knows Jordan dominated every phase of the game before Phil Jackson came in and enforced the triangle offense. The highest APG in the Triangle offense is only 7 apg. It is all ball movement and not pick and rolls.

In 89' when Jordan was moved to PG he was a walking 30/10/10 the last half of the season.

It's not about stats... it's about Shaq controlling the most vital area in basketball which is the paint... in a way that few have. The stats prove, in my opinion, that even MJ wasn't trying to drive on Shaq. Shaq wasn't in his prime in 93... I'm not talking about the overall numbers. I'm looking at the game by game performances. Scroll down.

-Smak

[catch24]

Shaq without question more dominant and had visibly more impact than LeBron did during his prime (now). Not like it's a huge gap, but still pretty significant.

[ILLsmak]

Shaq was just big and strong as hell,but I have a question? who had a bigger basketball IQ.who would make his teammates better.who would you trust to make the right decision when it`s crunchtime.who would have won the mental game if challenged?

Shaq and he did...

We're not talking about chess here... There is an aspect of physicality and one Shaq foul would take even MJ out of his game. That is a mental win.

-Smak

[Mr. Jabbar]

No.

When Shaq was in his Prime, you never questioned if the Lakers were gonna win, it was about how big was the blowout gonna be.

Best prime, ever.

[ICanDunk]

LeBron is regarded as the best player in today's game, is he better than Prime Shaq?
:no:

[ronniec]

He's 26 yrs.old. He still has plenty of time to win an NBA Championship.

I think the question was, the current Lebron vs Prime Shaq, right?

Prime Shaq >>>>>>>>>>>> current Lebron
Future Lebron, nobody knows. Could be better, or could be worse. Or he is at his prime already.

[ronniec]

Shaq was just big and strong as hell,but I have a question? who had a bigger basketball IQ.who would make his teammates better.who would you trust to make the right decision when it`s crunchtime.who would have won the mental game if challenged?

I don't see how Lebron has higher IQ than Prime Shaq; but I do know Lebron NEVER made his teammates better, and he shoots bricks at crunchtime.
Mentally, and physically, prime Shaq eats Lebron alive.

[Dbrog]

Shaq was just big and strong as hell,but I have a question? who had a bigger basketball IQ.who would make his teammates better.who would you trust to make the right decision when it`s crunchtime.who would have won the mental game if challenged?

Jordan. Shaq (advantage though since he did his work in the post aka more wide open shots). Jordan. Both (mental game never mattered to either of em). Overall advantage = Jordan. However, the original question was which player was more dominant...the answer is very clearly ShaqAttack

[OldSchoolBBall]

Jordan. Shaq (advantage though since he did his work in the post aka more wide open shots). Jordan. Both (mental game never mattered to either of em). Overall advantage = Jordan. However, the original question was which player was more dominant...the answer is very clearly ShaqAttack

Shows how much you know about Jordan is you believe that the mental game never mattered to him. Sad. :oldlol:

[AirTupac]

Jordan. Shaq (advantage though since he did his work in the post aka more wide open shots). Jordan. Both (mental game never mattered to either of em). Overall advantage = Jordan. However, the original question was which player was more dominant...the answer is very clearly ShaqAttack

What a failure of a post. :oldlol:

[Dbrog]

Shows how much you know about Jordan is you believe that the mental game never mattered to him. Sad. :oldlol:

What are you talking about? He never buckled under pressure. He just got beastier. :confusedshrug:

Same with Shaq. If he got angry, he would steamroll you.

[Dbrog]

What a failure of a post. :oldlol:

Please explain to me how Jordan affected the game more than Shaq.

[OldSchoolBBall]

What are you talking about? He never buckled under pressure. He just got beastier. :confusedshrug:

Same with Shaq. If he got angry, he would steamroll you.

Oh. I thought you meant that he didn't play the mental game (i.e., try to mentally intimidate opponents in various ways), which he definitely did.

[Unstoppabull]

No.
Why?
Prime Shaq couldn't be shutdown. Nobody can stop him.
LeBron can be stopped. By Delonte West.

[Dbrog]

Oh. I thought you meant that he didn't play the mental game (i.e., try to mentally intimidate opponents in various ways), which he definitely did.

Ah, indeed. Ya the original post that responded to basically said who was more vulnerable to "mental games." I don't think either were since they both performed even better under pressure.

[Ikill]

Really? ISH undervalues LeBron that much? An athletic freak of nature with ridiculous ball handling and court vision (relative to size) with an above average jumper and an uncanny ability of getting to the rim and drawing fouls who can play 3-4 positions.

That being said the answer is obviously Shaq, but please, don't act like they're in completely different leagues.
:no: I have never seen this guy drop no one his ball handling is so stiff and high too.

[Papaya Petee]

You know Shaq was ****ing insane when a player who put up 30\9\7, 31\7\7, 30\7\7, 28\7\7 , 27\7\7 and 26\7\7 on insane efficiency doesn't even compare to Shaq.

[10x91= 5 Rings]

I don't see how Lebron has higher IQ than Prime Shaq; but I do know Lebron NEVER made his teammates better, and he shoots bricks at crunchtime.
Mentally, and physically, prime Shaq eats Lebron alive.

I`m talking about Shaq vs MJ.

[OldSchoolBBall]

Jordan's production was comparable or superior in both the regular season and playoffs, he was an elite two-way player with huge defensive impact, and he also was by nature of his position far more able to impose his will on games and take over games in the 4th quarter and clutch time. That's why Jordan > Shaq.

[SinJackal]

No.

Prime Shaq is better than all but maybe 5 or so prime players in NBA history. LeBron isn't one of them.

[olddangerfield]

You know Shaq was ****ing insane when a player who put up 30\9\7, 31\7\7, 30\7\7, 28\7\7 , 27\7\7 and 26\7\7 on insane efficiency doesn't even compare to Shaq.
Yep, and Shaq's prime is top5 if not arguably top3. Only two players I can think of that are definitively had as dominant of a prime are Jordan and Wilt, and I've heard the argument that Shaq was even more dominant than Wilt.

[The Next Jordan]

LeBron is regarded as the best player in today's game, is he better than Prime Shaq?
Is this the stupidest question ever asked?

[RedBlackAttack]

The center position has fallen off so steadily over the years, it is scary to think about what Shaq would have done to these current guys. I mean, Joakim Noah is considered an elite center in today's NBA. Can you even imagine him trying to hang onto prime Shaq's back as he is tossed through the backboard?

[Xabit]

Okay lets be honest here, aside from all overating of Shaq. LeBron is actually going to be more dominant than Shaq. He's a better shooter, defender, offensive player and everything in between. people just like to hop on the shaq stan train.

[kaiiu]

:roll: :roll: :roll: :roll: Lebron aint better than prime Kobe

[Xabit]

Prime kobe is prolly the most dominant force in the league asides from jordan.

1) Jordan
2) Kobe
3) Shaq
4) LeBron (will be 3rd soon)

[TheCorporation]

Prime kobe is prolly the most dominant force in the league asides from jordan.

1) Jordan
2) Kobe
3) Shaq
4) LeBron (will be 3rd soon)

I switch Kobe and Shaq

1. Jordan
2. Shaq
3. Kobe
4. LeBron

[-playmaker-]

Prime kobe is prolly the most dominant force in the league asides from jordan.

1) Jordan
2) Kobe
3) Shaq
4) LeBron (will be 3rd soon)
:facepalm

what's crazy is this stupid shit prolly represents the opinions of many on this board...

[kaiiu]

Prime kobe is prolly the most dominant force in the league asides from jordan.

1) Jordan
2) Kobe
3) Shaq
4) LeBron (will be 3rd soon)
Prime Shaq> Prime Kobe.

I have Birds Peak over Kobes to. Kobes is top 5 doe and higher than Lebrons

[Xabit]

:facepalm

what's crazy is this stupid shit prolly represents the opinions of many on this board...

Get real kobe 5 rings domination son. Lebron will be better than shaq in terms of dominance.

[-playmaker-]

Get real kobe 5 rings domination son. Lebron will be better than shaq in terms of dominance.
how bout Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Russell, etc ???

your list is a joke

[Xabit]

how bout Wilt, Kareem, Magic, Bird, Russell, etc ???

your list is a joke

lebron is better than all of them. smh at this lil kid. :facepalm

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

Absolutely not. In fact, I've been on record as saying both Jordan and Shaq brought the most impact to their respective teams than any player in history. Of course thats just my opinion, though.

[TheCorporation]

rofl slow down there sonny, Lebron had a pretty decent supporting cast in Cleveland his last 3 years that he was there. He got swept in the Finals by an aging SA team while shooting close to 25%. There wasn't even a close game in the series.

:lol You're an idiot

This post is about as far from the truth as possible.

Spurs were not aging, they met in the finals in 07'

The last 2 games were close, 1 possession in fact I believe....

You're an idiot. :lol Thanks for outing yourself!

[The Iron Fist]

Absolutely not. In fact, I've been on record as saying both Jordan and Shaq brought the most impact to their respective teams than any player in history. Of course thats just my opinion, though.
and its not a well thought out one.


Milwaukee Bucks in their initial season, went 27-55. They drafted one Kareem Abdul Jabbar. In his rookie season, the team was 56-26, and went to the division finals. In his second season, the team was 66-16 and the Bucks won it all.

Now, lets look at Shaqs impact in comparison.

Year before Shaq was there, 21-61. His rookie year, 41-41, no playoffs. Second year, 50-32 and lost in the first round of the playoffs.

The stats.

Kareem
year 1 - 28.8 ppg, 14.5 rpg, 4.1 apg, blocks weren't recorded, so we can guess anywhere from 3 to 4 per game. Steals weren't recorded, guess anywhere from 1 to 1.5 per game.

year 2 - 31.7 ppg (led league) 16 rpg, 4.1 apg., blocks weren't recorded, but pretty safe to assume anywhere from 3 to 4 per game. Steals weren't recorded but we can guess anywhere from 1 to 1.5 per game.

Shaq
year 1 - 23.4 ppg, 13.9 rpg, 1.9 apg, 3.5 bpg, 0.7 spg
year 2 - 29.3 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.4 bpg, 0.9 spg

[Gundress]

Mfer....dumb Asss...ban This Op Fool.

Shaq Hands Down.

Shaq Brought You A Ring In Miami Heat....not F*cking Lebron, Not F*cking Bosh.

No Question....everybody Will Draft Shaq Over Lebron....no Question Dumb Asss Mfer

[Bring-Your-Js]

Prime Shaq in the Finals: 28/12/60%, 38/17/61%, 33/16/57%, 36/12/59%.

Game Over.