Home

NBA

“What IF Jordan Doesn’t Retire”: Shannon Sharpe Engages in NBA Debate, Argues MJ, Shaquille O’Neal, and Other Legends’ Dominance Over Lebron James

Published 11/09/2023, 1:06 AM EST

Follow Us

via Imago

Retired Denver Broncos tight end Shannon Sharpe usually showers his support for NBA legend LeBron James. But one of the recent remarks from this Los Angeles Lakers star has spun the table around for Shannon Sharpe. Apparently, he couldn’t take the audacity of the NBA star who feels that he would still be the same player whether or not he had been with the Miami Heat

The remarks triggered from one topic to another, where Shannon Sharpe finally had to raise a series of “What ifs” to draw a comparison. As the oldest player in the NBA with four NBA championships and 4 NBA MVPs, the 38-year-old is widely considered the GOAT, alongside basketball legend Michael Jordan. See what Sharpe has to say about LeBron James and his six seasons with the Heat. 

Shannon Sharpe redefines LeBron James’ relationship with the Miami Heat 

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

The internet is wild with news ever since LeBron James commented that he would be the same player even if he didn’t play for the Miami Heat. This triggered a mixed response from fans who had both positive and negative views about it. For Shannon Sharpe, the relationship between LeBron James and the Miami Heat is that “both benefited from each other’s presence.” 

The former NFL tight end disregarded the opinion that LeBron James could have been the same player he is today if he never played with the Heat. Sharpe further went on a rant comparing LeBron’s remarks to Shaq, Jordan, and Magic Johnson. He went on for comparisons, stating, “What IF Shaq took off season conditioning serious? What IF Jordan doesn’t retire twice and Bulls stay together?” 

Trending

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

All 3 of these players are GOAT contenders in their own rights, and not just because of what they did, but because they did so in such strenuous circumstances. Shaquille O’Neal is one of the greatest former Heat players and a 3-time All-Star champion in his 205 career games. On the other hand, legendary player Michael Jordan led his team to six championships before he retired from the Chicago Bulls for the second time in 1998, while 5-time NBA champion Magic Johnson is another prospect for the GOAT if he hadn’t contracted HIV and retired in 1991. 

Shannon Sharpe slams LeBron James’ claim

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

While Shannon Sharpe has always voiced positively on the NBA MVP, he doesn’t agree with him on one particular stand. He “vehemently disagrees” that he would be the same player without the Heat. Sharpe went on to say that when “he arrived in Miami, he had two regular-season MVPs and one Finals appearance through his first seven seasons.” 

READ MORE: While NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe Hails NBA Great Lebron James’ Brilliance, Skip Bayless Remains Unconvinced With Lakers’ Win

Shannon Sharpe went on to say that it was with Miami that he won four MVPs and questions how he would be as he is today had it not for his time with the Heat. Needless to say, both LeBron James and the Heat contributed to each other’s career success. He added, “It’s okay to give Miami Heat the credit they deserve.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Perhaps the NBA superstar has thrown his words ahead before he could ruminate over them. But would you agree that he could have been where he is today if his Miami Heat tenure had been wiped out? Or do you take sides with Shannon Sharpe that they both deserve equal credit? 

WATCH THIS STORY“Entering His 21st Year”: Shannon Sharpe Asserts LeBron James’ NBA Reign is Far From Over

SHARE THIS ARTICLE :

Written by:

Khosalu Puro

853Articles

One take at a time

"I'm a football fan, a sports fan, a fan of competition." Growing up with football fans, it has never been so easy to grab the hook of the game. I find every football entity fascinating from NFL Patrick Mahomes' Chiefs to NCAA Deion Sanders' Buffaloes.
Show More>

Edited by:

Harshita