NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal dropped a bombshell on “The Big Podcast” with LeBron James’ former teammate Mario Chalmers in tow. Shaq boldly asserted that today’s NBA players just don’t tremble in fear at the mention of LeBron like they did for Michael Jordan. Observing LeBron’s style, one might sense he lacks the ruthless edge that icons like Jordan carved into history.

The fear factor? Even the late, great Kobe Bryant instilled more terror in the hearts of his opponents than LeBron ever has, according to Shaq. Now at 39, LeBron is still in the game, chasing another title to bolster his claim to the G.O.A.T. status—a title that still firmly belongs to Jordan.

Shaq didn’t hold back, proclaiming that LeBron, despite all his efforts, simply doesn’t match the ferocious competitive spirit of Jordan or Kobe. In Shaq’s eyes, LeBron’s reputation as the “nice guy” might just be his Achilles’ heel, leaving him a step behind the relentless legends like Kobe and Jordan.

LeBron: “Not my GOAT,” Shaq admitted.

Shaquille O’Neal, speaking with a candor as bold as his presence on the court, made waves on the “ImPaulsive” podcast. He divulged that in his era, players genuinely feared Michael Jordan, a sentiment he personally echoed. Even in the generation of Mario Chalmers, it was Kobe Bryant who evoked real trepidation among players—not LeBron James.

Jordan’s relentless pursuit of victory often made him a polarizing figure, both within and outside of the Bulls’ organization. His notorious competitiveness earned him not only six championship rings but also a profound level of respect among his peers, a respect that, in Shaq’s view, LeBron seems to miss.

LeBron, despite his towering achievements, is often seen as chasing celebrity perhaps even more than victories, a perception that intensified after his high-profile move to Los Angeles. His frequent injuries, open criticisms of team management, and visible frustrations with coaching decisions have painted a picture of a player who might prioritize personal grievances over sheer performance.

Shaq, a steadfast admirer of the legends of yesteryears like Dr. J and Magic Johnson, places Jordan at the pinnacle of basketball greatness. Despite acknowledging LeBron’s significant impact and potential to climb the ranks with future achievements, for Shaq, the old-school titans remain unmatched.