LeBron James removed Hall of Famer Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from his top five Lakers all-time list. To defend a 19-year NBA veteran, putting together a top-5 list is challenging. Everything is opinion.
During NBA Media Week, the four-time MVP was asked by reporters to name the top five Lakers of all-time. “Always starting five for the Lakers?” James asked.
“I’m going magic. [Johnson] At 1, Jerry West at 2, Kobe [Bryant] At 3, myself at 4 and Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) at 5.
Will the shippers return to the game in 2023? Few NBA betting sites count against him. Find out which sportsbooks will finish in the top-5 next season.
LeBron James has said he will remove himself from the list in favor of teammate Anthony Davis. “I mean Shaq is so dominant, man,” LeBron continued. This statement is true.
“I mean, I love Kareem,” LeBron continued. Did AD place itself in the Top 5? Well put AD in, take me out.
LeBron James removed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar from his top five all-time Lakers list.
James had to prepare the list on the spot. So, Lakers fans should probably cut back on this one. Shaq is still a worthy replacement for Abdul-Jabbar. Their career statistics are similar.
However, the biggest difference is in free throws, MVPs and defensive picks. Abdul-Jabbar averaged 72.1% from the line during his 20-year career.
O’Neal, on the other hand, shot 52.7% from the free throw line. Both players retired as two-time goalscorer and Rookie of the Year winners.
In 1,560 career games, Abdul-Jabbar averaged 24.6 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.6 assists and 2.6 blocks per game. The Hall of Famer won one championship with the Milwaukee Bucks in 1971.
In fact, the six-time MVP won five titles with the Lakers (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987–88). Abdul-Jabbar has earned five NBA All-Defensive First-Team selections in his career.
Additionally, in 1,207 career games, O’Neal averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks per contest. The 15-time All-Star won three championships with the Lakers (2000–02) and one title with the Miami Heat (2006).
In total, LeBron James has the best starting five rosters of all time. Some Hall of Famers are more flexible than others. It depends on the position.
