Shaquille O’Neal and Draymond Green, who both appear on TNT, have sparked a debate about which team would win, presenting arguments of all kinds.
The failure of the 2023-24 season cannot overshadow a reality in NBA history: the Golden State Warriors, led by Stephen Curry (and many others, but Curry is the face of the team), are a historic part of the sport. This record-setting roster ranks among the greatest of all time. But where do they stand in the all-time rankings?
Draymond Green, one of their legends and a key to their success, had a spirited debate with Shaquille O’Neal, a cornerstone of another legendary team, the Los Angeles Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant, about which team would win a game.
Green and O’Neal, who both appear on NBA broadcasts on the American network TNT, picked their candidates. Shaq made a tough argument to counter. “Who the heck is going to guard me? Please don’t say the damn Andrew Bogut,” said the center. “Nobody could. But we have defensive schemes to keep you from getting the ball. We’ll stop you with someone in front and someone behind,” replied ‘Money’ (Draymond Green).
“You’re not going to touch the ball. I’d be in front of you. I have a 7’2″ wingspan,” added Green. However, Shaq highlighted his physical advantage. “Half a foot taller and me. And I’ll get everyone else in foul trouble. I’ll tell Derek Fisher to come after you,” said the Lakers legend. They even agree that their intensity could lead to a fight between them.
But the center had an even more compelling argument. “Okay… And who’s going to guard Kobe?” O’Neal concluded. Draymond mentioned “Klay,” but Shaq wasn’t convinced. The debate between these two legendary teams could hinge on the ‘Black Mamba’.
In the history books, those Lakers achieved three consecutive championships (2000, 2001, and 2002) with one of the most complete duos of all time. The Warriors, still active, have four championships (2015, 2017, 2018, and 2022) and hold the record for most wins in a season (73-9).
