Charles Barkley once put Wilt Chamberlain ahead of Shaquille O’Neal, leaving the Big Diesel disconcerted. On the other hand, Shaq put himself ahead of Chamberlain in the list of the greatest Los Angeles Lakers centers ever. Barkley vehemently rejected the idea and proceeded to debate the Big Man on the subject.

The Inside the NBA crew is well known for their brand of humor. The banter between Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith is a major reason why many people tune in to watch the show. As a matter of fact, sometimes their banter gets so out of hand that Ernie Johnson has to step in and save the show from any impending debacle.

Shaquille O’Neal puts himself ahead of Wilt Chamberlain

The Inside the NBA crew assembled in front of the Crypto.com arena at the beginning of the 2021 season. The discussion veered to the best Lakers centers of all time. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar was unanimously selected as the greatest Lakers Center ever.

“He is the greatest Lakers Center ever“, Barkley said. Shaq agreed. “Yes, he is. But I’m the most dominant“, he added.

But Barkley didn’t want to let go of the opportunity to tease Shaq. He said, “I mean, then you got Wilt Chamberlain after that“. Shaq had a serious point of contention with the statement.

In the meantime, Kenny Smith felt obliged to fuel the fire brewing between two of basketball’s greatest. Amid Shaq’s fervent protests, Ernie asked him to name his list.

Shaq put himself at number two behind Kareem and ahead of Wilt. Meanwhile, Barkley kept yelling, “You aren’t better than Wilt!” Shaq also participated in the shouting match screaming, “Yes, I am!”

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The show went to break amid the two going at it with each other. However, Barkley got the last word out, “You might not make the list“.

Shaq vs Wilt Chamberlain

Wilt Chamberlain is often called the greatest player of all time, while Shaq is unanimously regarded as the most dominant players of all time. However, it is difficult to compare the two because both of them played in different eras.

Chamberlain put up incredible numbers and set incredible records, like averaging 30 points and 20 rebounds throughout his career and scoring 100 points in a match. He won two NBA championships in his career, one of them, wearing Lakers apparel.

On the other hand, Shaq has won three back-to-back championships for the Lakers from 2000 to 2002. He was also the Finals MVP in all of them.

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Who do you think is ahead on the list? comment below.