Michael Jordan and LeBron James are two of the greatest players to ever grace the hardwood. When you hear these names, all you can think about is the greatness and an unrivaled legacy. However, the debate of who is the greatest of the two is always boiling among the NBA fans.

Michael Jordan dominated the NBA for the greater part of the 1990s, capturing 6 NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls. In 2003, the same year James was drafted, he opted to hang his jersey. It was a fairytale-like handing off the baton.

Since then, LeBron James has also established an unrivaled legacy for himself. He has clinched 4 NBA crowns while his plethora of individual records and accolades have propelled him to the top of the pack, alongside “His Airness”.

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James was always destined to be the great player he is; however, few predicted him to reach that Jordan-tier. NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was one of those few who saw the potential in the man hailing from Akron.

Shaquille O’Neal always knew LeBron James had the potential to be better than Jordan

Shaquille O’Neal has engraved his name in the annals of NBA history with his dominance on the court. The big man, like James and Jordan, is considered to be one of the greatest players to ever don an NBA jersey.

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Shaq has always lauded Michael Jordan‘s greatness and exploits on the basketball court. However, back in 2012, the 7-footer claimed that James has the potential to be a better player than Michael Jordan. In one of his tweets, Shaq wrote the question he was asked about LeBron James and his response to that question.

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O’Neal was asked, “Dr. O’Neal you think LeBron James would someday be better than MJ?” Shaq went on to claim, “He a great potential.”

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At the time Shaq tweeted this, James had just won his first NBA championship. This was his second consecutive trip to the NBA Finals, and he made a conscious effort to return every year after that. Following this Finals victory, James spearheaded his teams to six consecutive Finals appearances.

Despite only winning the championship twice during that epic Finals run, James proceeded to set multiple individual records. Those records catapulted him to the forefront. The Akron native has certainly lived up to the supposedly enormous expectations that were put on him before stepping onto an NBA court.

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James lifted his 4th NBA title in 2020-21 season with the LA Lakers. The legend is 37 years old, yet he shows no signs of slowing down. Therefore, it will come as no surprise if he captures another NBA gold.

Shaq’s prediction in 2012 enraged MJ fans

Shaquille O’Neal made a prediction in 2012 that many feel has turned into a reality today. However, it infuriated Michael Jordan’s fans back then.

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Whether ‘King James’ is better than MJ or not is a never-ending debate. But, do you think he has done enough to surpass Jordan? Let us know in the comments below!