Shaq Left Out Of LeBron James Discussion

Many people seem to be criticizing Lebron James this week. I've heard and read several comparisons to other players greatness versus that of Lebron including Michael Jordan, Magic, Larry Bird, etc. But I noticed that all of those "haters" failed to mention Shaquille O'neal.

Shaq was drafted first overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992. He won rookie of the year and he led them to the finals in 1995 where they were swept by Hakeem Olajuwan led Houston Rockets.

Shaq bolted after that season to L.A. as a free agent. Of course the Lakers went on to win three championships with "The Diesel" under center. Shaq picked up his fourth ring with his third team, coincidentally the Miami Heat. O'neal nearly cherry picked his fifth title with, in another coincidence, Lebron.

Shaq is a sure hall of famer! Shaq is one of the most popular players in the history of the NBA. Was Shaq's career tainted because he played for several teams? Was it tainted because he left the team that drafted him on the cusp of a championship? Does anyone think Shaq is coward? Of course not!

Lebron spoke this week of winning seven, eight, or nine championships! I think he knew that would be impossible in Cleveland. He may have won a couple and had a nice career there. But i think Lebron is shooting to be the best ever and can be considered to be better then M.J., Kobe, Shaq, Wilt, Magic, Kareem, etc. He's going to have to get several rings. You can see the excitement in his face because he knows the possibilities of putting three great players together.

10 years from now people will hardly remember that first team Lebron played on. He could very well be a 35 year old billionaire with 10 rings and probably own his own team! Could that happen in Cleveland? Probably not. Could it happen now? Possibly! He may end up buying the Cavs! Wouldn't that be ironic?