Shaq O’Neal Picks Jalen Williams and benches LeBron James

Shaq O’Neal has never been shy about sharing his opinions. The former Lakers star and current analyst shook up the NBA landscape once again by revealing his list of the top five players in the league today. And yes—what caught everyone’s attention was the absence of LeBron James.

That’s right. LeBron James, now 40 years old and still averaging 24.4 points, 8.2 assists, and 7.8 rebounds in his 22nd season, didn’t make the cut. For many, that’s unthinkable. For Shaq O’Neal, it’s simply a matter of perspective.

Shaq’s top picks

During his appearance on the Off The Record podcast, Shaq O’Neal named Steph Curry, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, Nikola Jokic, and Giannis Antetokounmpo as his top five players in the NBA right now.

The inclusion of Jalen Williams, the rising star from the Oklahoma City Thunder, was the most surprising. And the exclusion of LeBron James? Easily the most debated. But Shaq O’Neal, always one step ahead, anticipated the backlash and addressed it head-on. Outlets like The SportsRush quoted him saying, “I already know what people are going to say. That I’m disrespecting LeBron. But that’s not it. Everyone knows I respect him. It’s just my opinion.” As always, the “Big Diesel” doesn’t back down.

 

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A bold choice

Shaq O’Neal’s pick of Williams, who played a key role in the Thunder’s championship run alongside Gilgeous-Alexander, reflects his focus on the present. Williams averaged 21.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 5.1 assists this season, earning spots on the All-NBA Third Team and All-Defensive Second Team. His rise has been meteoric. Still, many wonder: is it enough to bump a legend like LeBron James?

The answer isn’t simple. LeBron James remains a cornerstone for the Lakers. The King still leads offensively and continues to impact both ends of the floor. But the debate over whether he still belongs in the “top 5” intensifies with the emergence of young stars like Luka Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Jayson Tatum—none of whom were mentioned by Shaq O’Neal.

Legacy vs. present

Beyond the list, one thing is clear: the NBA is overflowing with talent. And LeBron James’s legacy isn’t defined solely by current stats. His influence, longevity, and adaptability keep him in the conversation. But Shaq O’Neal has introduced a few names that will undoubtedly stir the pot this season—and likely in seasons to come.