Shaq and the “Blacklist” of the 5 wildest takes in NBA history
From Kobe to Curry, from Lonzo Ball better than LeBron James to Stephen Curry outside the top point guards ever: Shaquille O’Neal calls out the craziest hot takes from U.S. media and analysts
The line between analysis and provocation is often invisible when it comes to American media and analysts. Shaquille O’Neal decided to play sheriff, sharing a video on Instagram where “The Diesel” compiled what he considers the five worst takes ever made about the NBA.
Shaq’s message needs little interpretation: chasing headlines can’t justify abandoning logic or betraying history. From the hyperbole of LaVar Ball to the questionable rankings of Chris Russo, here’s the “Hall of Shame” according to the most dominant center of the modern era.
Lonzo Ball better than LeBron James? (LaVar Ball, 2018)
At No. 5 is a classic from the “Ball method.” During the 2018-19 season, LaVar claimed his son Lonzo Ball was already better than LeBron James. At the time, Lonzo was still a raw prospect with clear offensive limitations, while LeBron – then in his 16th season – was still producing MVP-level numbers (27.4 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 7.4 assists in 55 games). Even as Lakers teammates, the gap in impact between the two was so much, that made LaVar’s claim pure fiction.
Shaq only the fifth-best center ever (Chris Russo, 2023)
This one hits close to home. Veteran media personality Chris “Mad Dog” Russo ranked Shaq just fifth among all-time centers, behind Kareem, Russell, Wilt, and Olajuwon. While those names represent basketball royalty, ignoring O’Neal’s peak dominance from 2000 to 2002 – three straight Finals MVPs and total control of the paint – felt, to many and especially to Shaq himself, like a major slight.
Bill Walton over Steph Curry (Skip Bayless, 2022)
The third spot goes to Skip Bayless. The controversial analyst argued that Bill Walton was a better player and should rank higher historically than Stephen Curry.
Walton reached a legendary peak, winning MVP and an NBA title in 1977, but injuries derailed his career. Comparing him to Curry – owner of four championships, two MVPs, and the player who revolutionized basketball with the Golden State Warriors – now at a crossroad about the future – is, for Shaq, an unforgivable misread of history.
Kawhi Leonard more “clutch” than Kobe Bryant (Max Kellerman, 2019)
One of the most debated takes among purists. In 2019, Max Kellerman chose Kawhi Leonard over the “Black Mamba” in clutch situations, based on superior statistical efficiency.
However, the argument ignored shot volume, degree of difficulty, and Kobe Bryant’s two decades of proven “killer instinct” in high-pressure moments. For Shaq, Kobe’s legacy can’t be reduced to a spreadsheet.
Curry only the fifth-best point guard ever (Chris Russo, 2023)
Back to Chris Russo, this time for ranking Stephen Curry as just the fifth-best point guard ever. Despite redefining the position with his shooting range and unprecedented offensive gravity, Russo placed him behind multiple legends. An opinion that clashes with a widely accepted reality: today, Curry – alongside Magic Johnson – is considered one of the greatest to ever play the position.
The lesson from The Diesel
Ultimately, tying all these takes together, Shaq’s list is more than just a personal rant – it’s a reflection on the direction of modern sports media.
In a landscape driven by bold opinions designed to generate engagement, context and true greatness risk being sacrificed for clickbait. For Shaq, history isn’t rewritten through provocative posts or tweets: numbers and dominance remain, in the end, the only unbiased judges.