Shaq Admits Players Aren't Afraid of LeBron James Compared To Past NBA Greats Like MJ

NBA players don't fear LeBron James like they did Michael Jordan, legendary big man Shaquille O'Neal declared on "The Big Podcast," alongside LBJ's ex-teammate, Mario Chalmers.

If you watch LeBron play and wonder if he lacks an edge compared to past stars, you're not the only one considering it.

Heck, players suffered more dread playing against Kobe Bryant (R.I.P.) than they ever did against "The Chosen One," still hanging around the league at 39 and hoping to win another championship to strengthen his qualification as the G.O.A.T., which Jordan still holds.

No matter how hard LeBron tries, he's simply not the same breed as M.J. or Kobe, Shaq brilliantly announced. According to Shaq, James' persona in the league as the "nice guy" leaves him just a notch below the greats like Kobe and Jordan, both possessing a relentless drive to win. 

LeBron: "Not my GOAT," Shaq admitted.

"I’ve heard players say, including myself, ‘I feared [Jordan].’ I’ve heard players in [Mario Chalmers’] generation say they feared Kobe. I’ve never really heard any player say they feared LeBron," O’Neal shared.

Jordan hardly cared about anything besides winning, creating enemies inside and outside of the Bulls' organization along the way.

Not only do M.J.'s six championships stack taller than LeBron's four rings, but there's also the added element of respect from fellow players, which James appears to lack.

LBJ holds major prestige in NBA history, no doubt about it, though his reputation for seeking mega-star status over simply winning became much more apparent with his move to Los Angeles. 

More time off for injury; more b*tching at his front office concerning a lack of staff; constantly groaning over his coach rather than his performances … LeBron's just not ‘that guy’ to many viewers.

Shaq has long been "Team Jordan" in the G.O.A.T. debate. 

"I think the greatest player is Michael Jordan. LeBron's about to do something that hasn't been done in a long time and I think he will move his name up there, but for me, it's always Dr. J, Michael Jordan, Magic, and those guys," O’Neal admitted on the "ImPaulsive" podcast.

(Do you agree with Shaq's position? Or is LeBron truly the Greatest of all Time? Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com)

Shaq on set for the NBA on TNT. 

(Jamie Schwaberow/NBAE via Getty Images)

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