“Shaq would foul everybody on the 2017 Warriors out and we easily win”: Robert Horry scoffs at the notion that 2001 Lakers would lose to Steph Curry and company

Robert Horry believes that the 2001 Los Angeles Lakers would easily beat the 2017 Golden State Warriors as Shaq would foul everyone out. 

The 2001 Los Angeles Lakers lost merely a single game in their run in the Playoffs and that was to that season’s regular season MVP, Allen Iverson who had to drop a near 50-piece to win one game. Kobe Bryant and Shaq were unstoppable all season long and cemented themselves as perhaps the greatest ‘one-two’ punch in NBA history. 

The Golden State Warriors were similar to those Lakers in a way as they also acquired a dominant offensive superstar over the course of a summer. That unfortunately, is where the similarities end. Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green made for one of the most potent offensive cores ever assembled.

Also read: “Kobe Bryant was the second best thing we had seen to Michael Jordan!”: When the Lakers legend took the fight to one of the greatest defenses of all-time at the age of 22

Comparisons between them and the 1996 Chicago Bulls are constant on how would in a best-of-seven series. However, before jumping the gun to the 72-win team, Robert Horry talks about that Warriors squad versus the 2001 Lakers. 

Robert Horry on Lakers vs Warriors in their primes. 

Robert Horry is a certified Lakers legend. His game-winner against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 NBA Playoffs alone are enough to have him amongst some of the greatest role players in purple and gold history. So, when asked about who would win between the ‘01 Lakers and the ‘17 Warriors, Horry didn’t hesitate for a second.

We win..Shaq fouls everyone out https://t.co/aejqd7EcYD

— Robert Horry (@RKHorry) May 18, 2022

Also read: “Kobe Bryant and Shaq; Luka Doncic and Spencer Dinwiddie!”: The Dallas Mavericks duo become the first two since the Lakers tandem to score 30 each in a game 7

This reasoning by Horry isn’t anything new as many use the logic of Shaq’s dominating presence as a way to get opposing players into foul trouble to talk about almost all hypothetical revolving around him. The ‘17 Warriors have no one on their roster who could hold a candle to Shaquille O’Neal. 

To add Kobe Bryant on top of that would simply be unfair. Sure, keeping track of Steph Curry and Klay Thompson would be a nightmare and having Kevin Durant would just be a bit too unfair, they it’s not as though they have never been beaten. 

About the author

Samir Mehdi

Samir Mehdi is a senior strategist for the NBA division at The Sportsrush. Ever since he was 13 years old, he’s been obsessed with the game of basketball. From watching Kobe Bryant’s highlights on YouTube to now, analyzing and breaking down every single game on League Pass, Samir’s passion for the game is unwavering. He's a complete basketball junkie who not only breaks down current games but also keenly watches ones from the 60s’ and 70s’ while also reading comprehensive books on the history of the league. Samir’s life revolves around basketball and he hopes that shows in his work. Aside from work, he loves to spend time in the gym and with his friends at social gatherings.

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