Shaq and Mark Cuban Debate the NBA GOAT: Is Kobe Being Left Out of the Conversation?
On the latest episode of The Big Podcast, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal and Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban locked horns over one of basketball’s hottest topics: Who is the greatest of all time (GOAT) in the NBA? While the conversation typically centers around Michael Jordan and LeBron James, Shaq couldn’t help but express his frustration over the absence of Kobe Bryant from these discussions.
As Cuban and Shaq exchanged views on what makes a player the GOAT, it became clear that this wasn’t just another casual chat. Both parties brought forth compelling arguments. Shaq was pushing for a more inclusive conversation that doesn’t overlook the late Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant.
Shaq’s Frustration Over Kobe’s Exclusion
Shaquille O’Neal shared a championship-winning partnership with Kobe during their time on the Los Angeles Lakers. As a result, is baffled by how often Bryant is overlooked in the GOAT debate. “Why has it gone from Michael to LeBron, and with no mention of Kobe?” Shaq questioned during the discussion, expressing his disbelief. Kobe’s legendary work ethic, his five championships, and his place among the all-time scorers make it hard for Shaq to accept his exclusion from these conversations.
Shaq’s loyalty to Kobe goes beyond their on-court success. Despite their highly publicized feud during their playing days, the two reconciled, and Shaq has long held that Kobe’s place in the NBA pantheon deserves more recognition.
Mark Cuban’s Perspective: Team Dynamics Matter
Mark Cuban is known for his strong opinions. So, he responded by pointing out that the GOAT debate is not just about individual brilliance but also about how a player fits into a team. Cuban explained, “I’ve always felt Kobe and Michael were finishers, but you had to have a team that does everything else. Whereas LeBron is an enabler that makes everybody on the team better.”
In Cuban’s eyes, the GOAT should be evaluated based on the team structure around them. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, he argued, were more reliant on strong supporting casts to reach their full potential as finishers. In contrast, Cuban believes LeBron James’ ability to elevate his teammates sets him apart in the debate.
The Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James Debate
No GOAT conversation is complete without addressing the Michael Jordan vs. LeBron James rivalry. Cuban was acknowledging both players’ greatness in the interview. But, he highlighted the distinct differences in their playing styles. According to him, Jordan and Bryant dominated as game-closers. Thus, finishing games with their individual skill sets. Whereas LeBron is a player who makes his teammates better through his playmaking abilities.
Shaq, however, wasn’t completely sold on Cuban’s distinction. Thus, suggesting that all three legends should be discussed together in any GOAT debate, emphasizing that each has his own unique greatness.
Shaq Almost Became a Dallas Maverick
In a surprising revelation, Shaq let slip that he nearly became a Maverick himself after his departure from the Lakers. “I was telling the Lakers to trade me to Dallas, and Mark was trying to make it happen,” Shaq said during the podcast. Cuban confirmed the story. He explained that he had tried several different strategies to bring Shaq to Dallas. This included working out potential trades and attempting to acquire him through free agency. Unfortunately for Cuban, Pat Riley and the Miami Heat swooped in and secured Shaq, leading to Miami’s 2006 NBA Championship.
The failed move to Dallas was a significant moment in both Shaq’s and Cuban’s careers. Cuban has never shied away from bold trades and decisions as the owner of the Mavericks, but this one that got away might have dramatically changed the history of the franchise. Shaq’s time in Miami was marked by winning a championship alongside Dwyane Wade in 2006, which makes it even more interesting to imagine what might have been had Shaq teamed up with Dirk Nowitzki in Dallas.
The Kobe Trade That Almost Happened
In another bombshell, Cuban revealed that the Mavericks were “this close” to acquiring Kobe Bryant in 2007. According to Cuban, he had worked out a deal with Lakers’ owner Jerry Buss that would have sent Kobe to Dallas in exchange for players like Josh Howard and Jason Terry, along with draft picks. However, the deal fell through at the last moment. Mitch Kupchak, the Lakers’ general manager, talked Buss out of it.
Cuban’s recollection of this near-trade highlights just how different NBA history could have been. Pairing Kobe Bryant with Dirk Nowitzki would have formed a lethal duo. Thus, potentially altering the course of both franchises. Cuban shared that he had even told one of his associates, “Kobe’s going to be a Maverick,” believing the trade was as good as done before it collapsed.
Why Kobe Should Be in the GOAT Debate
As the conversation turned back to the GOAT debate, Shaq remained firm in his belief that Kobe deserves more recognition. Kobe’s relentless work ethic, scoring ability, and competitive fire made him one of the most feared players in NBA history. Despite Kobe’s five championships, his MVP award, and his status as one of the greatest closers in the game, his name is often left out of the most common GOAT discussions, which tend to focus on Michael Jordan and LeBron James.
Shaq pointed out that Kobe had a killer instinct that few players in NBA history could match. He wasn’t just a scorer—he was a winner. Shaq argued that Kobe’s legacy shouldn’t be overshadowed by Jordan and LeBron, as he brought a unique style of leadership and determination that sets him apart.
Mark Cuban on LeBron’s Impact
While Shaq made the case for Kobe, Cuban countered by emphasizing LeBron James’ ability to make everyone around him better. Cuban praised LeBron as an “enabler” who elevates his teammates to a higher level, allowing them to succeed alongside him. This is in contrast to Kobe and Jordan, whom Cuban labeled as “finishers”—players who closed out games but relied more heavily on their supporting casts to reach those moments.
Cuban’s argument underscores LeBron’s unique versatility, which allows him to adapt his game to fit the needs of his team. Whether playing as a facilitator or taking over as a scorer, LeBron’s all-around game has enabled him to maintain a level of sustained excellence over two decades.
Conclusion: A Heated but Respectful Debate
At the end of the day, the debate between Shaq and Cuban remained respectful. Both acknowledged the greatness of the players they discussed. Shaq is adamant that Kobe Bryant deserves more love in the GOAT conversation. Meanwhile, Cuban believes that LeBron James’ ability to make his teammates better puts him in a category of his own.
Ultimately, the GOAT debate is one that will likely never be settled definitively. Fans, analysts, and players all have their preferences, and much of it comes down to what aspects of basketball they value most. For Shaq, it’s Kobe’s killer mentality and championship pedigree. For Cuban, it’s LeBron’s ability to elevate his entire team. And for many, Michael Jordan’s dominance in the 1990s will always keep him in the conversation.
As the debate rages on, what’s clear is that each player has left an indelible mark on the NBA, and no conversation about basketball’s greatest players is complete without mentioning all three.
