Shaquille O’Neal Says His Lakers Would’ve ‘Easily’ Beaten Michael Jordan’s Bulls

Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal talked to Ariel Helwani of ESPN, and used the opportunity to praise his team. According to him, his Lakers would have defeated Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Shaq and his teammates won three straight titles. Jordan and his Bulls won six titles in eight years.

“‘Cause I would’ve killed Luc Longley, Bill Wennington, [Bill] Cartwright,” he said. “The factor is me and my free-throw shooting.”

O’Neal then questioned which team Phil Jackson would be leading as he coached both teams.

“So he would’ve tried the hack-a-Shaq thing,” O’Neal said. “I still would average like 28, 29, but the key would’ve been free throws. With me, it’s always 50-50. If I would’ve been on, we win. If I would’ve been off, we lose.”

Shaquille O’Neal made a good point

It was a great debate. Shaq made a good point. The Bulls didn’t win the 1994-95 Eastern Conference Semifinals. Shaq was playing with the Orlando Magic and averaged 24.3 points, 13.2 rebounds, 4.0 assists, 2.0 blocks and 1.0 steals per game. He led the Magic to a 4-2 series win.

Jordan had a short stint that year after a nearly two-year stint in the world of baseball. The icon wasn’t the same player that season. However, he led the Chicago to the first of three consecutive titles.

Shaq said the 1995-96 Chicago Bulls are the best team in the league history. They won 72 games and went 15-3 in the postseason. Here are some numbers you should take into consideration:

  • Jordan: 30.4 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 4.3 APG, 2.2 SPG, MVP
  • Scottie Pippen: 19.4 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 5.9 APG, 1.7 SPG
  • Toni Kukoc: 13.1 PPG, 40.3 3P%, Sixth Man of the Year
  • Dennis Rodman: 5.5 PPG, 14.9 RPG
  • Steve Kerr: 8.4 PPG, 51.5 3P%

Jordan and Pippen were both All-NBA first-team selections. Jordan, Pippen and Rodman were All-Defensive first-team selections. Impressive, right?

Bryant was an amazing player, but Jordan had better numbers. He had six titles, five MVPs, six NBA Finals MVPs, nine-time All-Defensive selection, 11-time All-NBA selection, 30.1 PPG for his career, 10-time scoring champion. When it comes to Bryant, he has five titles, one MVP, two NBA Finals MVPs, 12-time All-Defensive selection, 15-time All-NBA selection, 25 PPG for his career, two-time scoring champion.