Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t believe Draymond Green’s honest take on Kobe’s legacy

Jul 20, 2026 - 02:35

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Shaquille O’Neal couldn’t believe Draymond Green’s honest take on Kobe’s legacy originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The debate over the greatest player in NBA history has long centered around Michael Jordan and LeBron James, but Draymond Green believes there are specific reasons why the late Kobe Bryant is often left out of that conversation.

Speaking with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, Green offered his perspective on why Bryant’s résumé isn’t discussed as frequently in the GOAT debate despite his five NBA championships, 18 All-Star selections and legendary career with the Los Angeles Lakers.

O’Neal began the discussion by asking a simple question.

“How come my guy’s not in that conversation?”

Green didn’t hesitate.

“Kobe? Yes, for sure. One hundred percent.”

However, the four-time NBA champion believes Bryant’s career circumstances have shaped public perception.

“Here’s why I think he’s not,” Green explained. “Number one, he played with you, and people hold that against him.”

Bryant and O’Neal formed one of the NBA’s greatest duos, leading the Lakers to three consecutive championships from 2000 to 2002. While that dominance cemented their legacy, Green believes some fans diminish Bryant’s individual greatness because he shared the spotlight with another all-time great.

Green breaks down why Kobe Bryant gets overlooked in the GOAT conversation

Green also pointed to the Lakers’ struggles immediately following O’Neal’s departure in 2004.

“When Shaq left, the Lakers had a few rough years,” Green said. “They weren’t winning, even though Kobe’s numbers were incredible.”

Bryant posted some of the most remarkable individual scoring seasons in league history during that stretch, including his unforgettable 81-point performance in 2006. Despite those accomplishments, team success lagged behind, affecting how his dominance was viewed.

At the same time, another superstar was rapidly ascending.

“At the same time, LeBron was rising in Cleveland and making his name,” Green said. “I don’t think Kobe was the consensus best player in the league for long enough.”

According to Green, that timing shifted the conversation permanently.

“Then LeBron entered the conversation. From that point on, it became a tug of war.”

While Bryant’s place in the GOAT debate remains subjective, Green believes his impact, accomplishments and legacy deserve far greater consideration whenever basketball’s greatest player is discussed.

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