Shaq Sparks Debate with Bold Dream-Team Pick

Shaquille O’Neal has never been shy about sharing hot takes, and his latest one has Lakers fans buzzing.

On the Off The Record podcast, the Diesel was asked which teammates he’d swap out for NBA legends. Without hesitation, Shaq dropped the line that stunned fans:

“I’ll go with Mike over Kobe. Trying to win championships, ring culture. Love to play with Mike to learn from him.”

Yes—he just replaced Kobe Bryant, his three-time championship partner, with Michael Jordan. To make things even spicier, Shaq added he’d trade Penny Hardaway for Magic Johnson.

The comments lit up social media. Some fans agreed Jordan’s six rings make him the ultimate pick. Others felt it was a slight to Kobe, especially since Shaq had just defended him days earlier, calling Bleacher Report’s ranking of Kobe at No. 11 “criminal.”

In truth, Shaq and Kobe’s legacy remains untouchable. They built a dynasty in Los Angeles—and no fantasy swap can rewrite that history.