Featured Image Credit: NBA on TNT
Topics: Lebron James, NBA, Basketball,
Jayden Collins
Shaquille O’Neal was on hand to give his analysis of the monumental record-breaking LeBron James moment.
LeBron James carved his name into the basketball history books by becoming the NBA's all-time leading scorer.
Kareem Abdul-Jabbar's record of 38,387 points had stood since April 5, 1984.
LeBron secured the feat with an impressive outing against Oklahoma that saw him overtake the record late into the third quarter.
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O’Neal was full of praise for the record-breaker, and things clearly got very emotional between the pair when they spoke on the broadcast.
James was on the court as Shaq spoke to him for the broadcast room.
O’Neal could be seen wiping back tears on NBA on TNT after the game.
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He congratulated James, saying: “Congratulations. I can remember coming to see you play in high school, 18 years old. I know what type of person you are, I know what type of player you are.
However, the big man wouldn’t let LeBron finish his interview without asking him the all-important question.
He asked: “Does this now make you the greatest player of all time? Are you now the GOAT?”
The Lakers player attempted to downplay the question, but Shaq wasn’t going to let him off easy.
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Shaq insisted: “I want to hear you say it! Say it Bron! Say it with your chest! Say it Bron Bron!”
And James did indeed give in, replying: “Listen big fella, for me personally, I’m going to take myself against anybody that’s ever played this game. But everyone’s gonna have their favourite … I know what I’ve brought to the table, what I bring to the table every single night and what I can do out on this floor.
“I always feel like I’m the best to ever play this game. But there are so many other great ones and I’m happy to just be a part of their journey.”
And while their interaction was gold, it was Shaq’s conversation with the former all-time leading scorer Abdul-Jabbar that seriously got him emotional.
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Both LeBron and O’Neal have spoken in the past about having little relationship with the 75-year-old due to being an introvert.
And Abdul-Jabbar had a touching message for Shaq in an attempt to put things straight.
He said: “I want to tell Shaq, I asked for you specifically this evening. Because you felt that I was ashamed of you or ignoring you. That would never be the case.
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“You showed them what you were all about, the way you crushed all the centres in the league for a couple of years there.
“I’m on your side Shaq, don’t ever let anybody tell you anything different.”
Shaq emotionally responded: “Listen, you not speaking to me was the best thing to happen to my career, because all I wanted to do was impress you sir.
“I will talk with you soon, inshallah and I love you very much.
“I will never ever have beef with the great Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. You ain’t gotta worry about that.”
Abdul-Jabbar sent the love straight back as O’Neal fought back the tears.