Shaquille O’Neal reacts to Jeanie Buss leaving him off her 5 most important Lakers list

The list of great Los Angeles Lakers players to have worn the purple and gold is a decorated list that many franchises would be envious of. It not only is a franchise that has had the likes of Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, Shaquille O'Neal and countless other legends on the court, but it's had coaches like Phil Jackson steering the ship from the sidelines as well.

Lakers President and Owner Jeanie Buss recently noted on the “All The Smoke Podcast” what in her opinion are the, “top 5 most important Lakers” of all-time and there was one noticeable omission; Shaquille O'Neal. Shaq seemed to be fine with it although he did get in one jab.

Jeanie's list includes Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Magic Johnson and Phil Jackson. With a rich and storied history like the Lakers, anytime there is a list with a reduced number there are going to be legends left off. Shaq is one but the list from Buss also left over the likes of Jerry West, Elgin Baylor and Wilt Chamberlain.

Shaq's response was subtle in nature but took the jab at LeBron being on the list over him.

The argument in having James on such a Lakers list is likely due to the fact of how the LA had fared in the last few years before his arrival. Los Angeles had witnessed a drought to the extent the franchise had rarely ever seen and in just his second year with the Lakers, LeBron and co. were able to bring an NBA title back to the franchise.

It's not to suggest the list is right or wrong, these are always subjective. A tip of the cap to Jeanie Buss for actually answering this one quite bluntly without hedging. It's worth noting this is a list that to Buss consists of the most “important” Lakers of all-time, not the “best” Lakers ever. Either way her list is now etched into stone and up for debate.