Shaquille O’Neal rates best point guards out of Kobe Bryant, Penny Hardaway, and Dwyane Wade

Shaquille O’Neal has shared the court with a bunch of great players.

Shaquille O’Neal rates best point guards out of Kobe Bryant, Penny Hardaway, and Dwyane Wade

Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and Dwyane Wade

Shaquille O’Neal’s decision to sign with the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 was a pivotal moment in NBA history. At the time, many believed he made the move for financial reasons, but Shaq has consistently denied this, stating he just wanted to play the game and enjoy his endorsements.

Years later, Shaq appeared on The Draymond Green Show and was asked to rank the top players he played with during his prime. Initially hesitant due to potential online backlash, Shaq eventually named Kobe Bryant as his number one and cited his master killer mentality. 

FS Video
Kobe #1, he had the master killer mentality and I like to say I helped him get that.
Shaquille O’Neal said on The Draymond Green Show

Shaq revealed that he would often doubt Kobe’s abilities, which would infuriate him and drive him to work even harder. Kobe would reportedly spend 5-6 hours in the gym to prove a point to Shaq. Their dynamic ultimately led to great success for the Lakers, with Shaq and Kobe forming a dominant duo.

YouTube video

Despite their differences, the two legends formed a powerful partnership that will be remembered for generations to come.

Big Shaq has no regrets about leaving Orlando and Penny Hardaway behind

Shaquille O’Neal is credited with putting the Orlando Magic on the NBA map, leading them to the NBA Finals in 1995 and the Eastern Conference Finals in 1996. However, his departure from the team after signing a $120 million contract with the LA Lakers has led some to question whether he is the franchise’s greatest player.

Shaq has revealed that he desperately wanted Penny Hardaway by his side in Orlando, and was impressed by his skills during a pickup game on the set of his movie ‘Blue Chips.’ He even insisted that the Magic sign Hardaway at all costs, and was furious when they drafted Chris Webber instead in 1993.

When everybody was talking about a $100 million, I want to be the first $100 million guy…. Ayye my mom needed a new house even though she didn't, that's all I'm thinking. Even though I'm always thinking about what me and Penny could have done, it's not a decision I regret. Because when it comes to family and it comes to making decisions, I make the decision as a leader, as a general, and if it happens to be the wrong decision, that's something I can live with.
Shaquille O’Neal said on The Draymond Green Show

Shaq’s frustration with the Magic’s decision was so great that he tore apart his house, showing just how much he wanted to play alongside Hardaway. Despite this, the duo never got to play together in Orlando, with Shaq eventually leaving for the Lakers and Hardaway joining the Magic later in his career.

In case you missed it: