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Published 11:23 IST, April 16th 2020

Shaquille O'Neal says his Lakers team could have 'easily' beaten Michael Jordan's Bulls

NBA Hall of Fame center Shaquille O'Neal recently stated that he feels that the Michael Jordan-led Bulls would be easily beaten by Los Angeles Lakers.

Reported by: Devika Pawar
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Shaquille O'Neal
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Former Los Angeles Lakers star and NBA analyst Shaquille O'Neal recently stated that he feels that the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls would easily be taken down by his Los Angeles Lakers. O'Neal and Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to three back-to-back championships. Michael Jordan and the Bulls won six NBA championships in eight years. 

Also read | Shaquille O'Neal CONFIDENT he & Kobe Bryant would thrash LeBron James and the Lakers

Shaquille O'Neal says his Los Angeles Lakers team could beat Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls

Also read | Former Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal admits being scared of playing against Chicago Bulls legend Michael Jordan 

Shaquille O'Neal thinks he would be key to the 2000's Lakers defeating Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls

During an interview with ESPN, Shaquille O'Neal confidently stated that he believes he would be the decisive factor in the Lakers defeating Jordan and the Bulls. He thinks he could take Luc Longley, Bill Winnington and Bill Cartwright, after which it would depend on his free shooting. Shaquille O'Neal thinks he would have averaged 28-29 points per game, and the key to winning or losing would be his free throws. If he made them, the Lakers would win and if he did not, the Bulls would win.

Also read | How Lakers legend Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal restored their incredible friendship after long feud

While reports believe that the Bulls might not have had a good defence for O'Neal, the Bulls were still considered invincible from 1991-98. Jordan played with Scottie Pippen, who is also considered one of the greatest players of his era. Jordan averaged 30.2 points per game, while Pippen scored 19.4 points per game. Along with Toni Kukoc, Dennis Rodman and Steve Kerr, the Bulls had a well-scoring team. Reports also compared Bryant and Jordan statistically. While the late Lakers legend is considered one of the greatest NBA players, Jordan's stats are slightly better. 

Also read | Shaquille O'Neal offered Isaiah Rider $10,000 to fight Kobe Bryant during Lakers stint

Updated 11:23 IST, April 16th 2020