Los Angeles Lakers fans were once again treated to a once-in-a-lifetime performance from LeBron James. He put on a show against the Dallas Mavericks, as he helped the Purple and Gold win, 129-114. In fact, his performance calls back to one of the most dominant centers to ever wear Lakers colors.
NBA on ESPN noted that James' stat line of 37 points, 17 rebounds, and 5 assists is the first time in a good while that any Lakers player achieved that feat. The other person to pull that off? None other than Shaquille O'Neal.
The King x Diesel @KingJames is the first Lakers player with 35 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists in a game since @SHAQ in 2003. pic.twitter.com/fiLTQqymuC
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) January 11, 2020
O'Neal is widely considered by everyone to be the most dominant center in the history of the league. His raw power and scoring ability were unmatched during his time, and there's no question that he'd still dominate if he was playing today's game in his peak form. He was a consistent double-double machine, and his impact on the game was felt by everyone.
Shaq, who is now a TV analyst for TNT, believes that LeBron is still the best player in the NBA. After all, where have you seen a 35-year-old baller put up All-Star caliber numbers? However, he's going to be the first to shoot down passionate LeBron fans harking about him being one of the greatest Lakers ever.
“Stop it,” O'Neal said, per 247Sports' DJ Siddiqi. “You can’t come here and play one year and be involved in the conversation for best Laker ever. Stop it. Are you kidding me? … No disrespect to LeBron. He’s a great player, but you can’t come here one year and be in that conversation. Listen, Magic, Worthy, Kobe, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain. That’s a lot.”
If LeBron finishes this season with a championship, maybe Shaq will change his opinions.
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