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“Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, and Hakeem Olajuwon Will Get Swept”: Shaquille O’Neal backs himself, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant in a 7-game Series

Achyuth Jayagopal
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Shaquille O’Neal Digs Up ‘New Way’ To Push Michael Jordan To 2nd ‘On A List’ With a Kobe Bryant-Shaq Stat

A battle between legends of the era is a debate that finds absolution merely in NBA2k. However, despite the feasibility of a check, the debate finds itself a constant presence in the NBA community.

Pundits, players, analysts, and fans all are culprits in engaging the contest between eras. And, it seems to have found its way to the social media profile of an NBA all-timer too.

Shaquille O’Neal is arguably the most dominant player not named Wilt Chamberlain to play basketball. The 4-time NBA champion was one of the faces of the league at his prime and was a true entertainer.

Also read: “Michael Jordan and LeBron James Are On the Same Level”: When Jerry ‘The Logo’ West Heaped Praise On The King For Being as Good as MJ

Now a pundit with the Inside the NBA crew, O’Neal continues to be a constant part of the NBA viewing experience. A week ago, The Big Diesel used his social media profile to spark life to the above-mentioned debate, yet again. This time, picking himself and two former teammates to win a 3-on-3 against Olajuwon, Jordan, and Bird.

And not just a win, a sweep in a seven-game series.

Shaquille O’Neal picks his 3 to sweep MJ, Hakeem, and Bird

Pick a duo to go along with Shaq to beat a trio of all-time greats isn’t an easy task. However, Superman seems to believe a pair of his former teammates is all he needs to sweep Jordan, Bird, and Hakeem.

The Big Diesel picked his three-peat co-star Kobe Bryant and his former Cavs teammate, LeBron James, to duel with MJ, The Dream, and Larry Legend. In O’Neal’s eyes, there is only one winner in this duel too.

Kobe and LeBron never really faced up against the opposing trio at their peak. O’Neal, however, did play MJ and Hakeem and endured big playoff losses against both of them. In light of that, it might seem like a “sweep” would be too strong a prediction.

But then again, we too are left with mere conjecture to settle this debate. Various comments seem to remind O’Neal of how Olajuwon “schooled” him during their battles, but The Big Diesel isn’t really one to back away in fear.

Is this a battle that is decided before the game as Superman claims? Yet another debate for the NBA fan to invest in.

How did Shaq fare in the league against MJ and Hakeem?

The regular season record lies heavily in Shaq’s favor, especially against Hakeem. However, a deeper glance tells a different story.

In Playoff appearances, O’Neal was dwarfed by Hakeem. A 5-3 record and a 32.8 points per game scoring record is proof of dominance if there ever was one.

Shaq and MJ on the other hand faced off only in 11 instances with MJ holding a slight upper hand. Jordan had a 64-point showdown on O’Neal’s Magic, however.

To have gone down and lost against the duo and to then claim a sweep over his rivals is big talk from the Big Diesel. But then again, what else may one expect, from Shaquille O’Neal?

Also read: “All my friends were rooting for Michael Jordan!”: Shaquille O’Neal recalls how everyone was in awe of the Bulls legend

About the author

Achyuth Jayagopal

Achyuth Jayagopal

Achyuth Jayagopal is a creative writer with The Sportsrush. After previous freelance dabbles in the industry, Achyuth has authored over 300 pieces for TSR. Having followed the game of basketball for a considerable period, he pledges his allegiance to Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks. Beyond speaking his mind on all things basketball, Achyuth is a Sports and Gaming Lawyer who is an ardent Chelsea fan and takes a shine to the culinary world and travelling too.

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