Even though this thread is purely hypothetical it's impossible to answer. We're trying to put a number on how many rings these two would have won had they gotten along, when they clearly didn't. Probably 7 or 8. It's impossible to say. Kobe and Shaq never were going to get along. They were two alpha males on the same team. That doesn't work out very well when neither wants to relinquish control. They've both said the exact same thing. Shaq's just as much to blame as Kobe for going into season's out of shape and p***ing off Kobe. Shaq and Kobe's Lakers were like Axl and Slash's Guns Roses. Had Axl and Slash stayed together GN'R would now be as big or bigger than The Beatles or Stones. Same with the Lakers. Had Kobe and Shaq stayed together they'd easily have more rings than Jordan and Kobe would be regarded as the best shooting guard in the history of the league and Shaq would be the most dominant big man hands down, instead of arguably.
I agree with this and I will add they were from different worlds. Kobe traveled alot abroad as a kid with his dad and shaq was from newark new jersey. sent from my samsung note 2
At the game of basketball skills wise? Maybe (way before my time so I've only seen highlights) Physical dominance? Not a chance. The average size shot up like 6" in the league between their eras, and Shaq was STILL a man among boys. He always imposed his will with his body, he just couldn't hit free throws.
In his day, yes. They even had to change the rules because of him. He was also the ONLY 7 footer in the league.:D sent from my samsung note 2
You can't penalize a guy for being born too early...wilt was big and very athletic...would have been great in any era...he was certainly more dominate in his time
Absolutely but he would not be nearly the same in today's game. Hall of famer, sure. Great players will be great in any era but you have to admit, he wouldn't dominate today's game as he dis in his era. sent from my samsung note 2
This. Now on the flip side, side someone like shaq back to wilts era, and holy smokes, there's a guy that no one is stopping.
You are absolutely correct...but nobody else is nearly that dominate in today's game either...we are talking about a guy that once averaged 50 points and 25 boards in a season Also, for a guy 7'1" was incredibly athletic....was a track and field star in college....40+ inch vertical....could bench press 500+ pounds Believe or not guys some of the best athletes were not born during the past few decades
He was athletic for sure, but I hope you don't buy into those mythical legends of his Herculean numbers. Lol He was a freak of nature and would have been great anytime he played, it's just even more beneficial to him to play against 6'7" centers instead of other strong 7' guys that are common today. Not a slight on him, just an observation of his surroundings.
