In a recent Instagram post, basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal proudly endorsed the ranking of the best NBA teams since 2000, placing the iconic 2000/01 Los Angeles Lakers, featuring Shaq and Kobe Bryant, at the pinnacle. This move aligns O’Neal with his late teammate Kobe, showcasing their enduring dominance in the basketball world.
The post, posing the question “What NBA Team is the Greatest since 2000?” gained attention, with the 2001 Lakers securing the top spot. O’Neal shared the post on his Instagram story, expressing his support for the ranking, asserting the superiority of his Lakers over LeBron James’ championship-winning teams with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Lakers.
Shaq puts up some of the greatest NBA teams since 2000 pic.twitter.com/XNDNDWKpLn
— tragicpatek (@tragicpatek) December 17, 2023
Notably, the ranking positioned the 2001 Lakers ahead of the record-breaking 2017/18 Golden State Warriors led by Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, emphasizing the enduring greatness of Shaq and Kobe’s partnership. This endorsement from the 4-time champion carries a clear message to basketball enthusiasts.
Lakers Triumph: O’Neal’s Belief Prevails Over 2017/18 Warriors
The rankings also fulfilled O’Neal’s confidence in his Lakers team, particularly against the highly regarded 2017/18 Warriors. Despite widespread acclaim for the Warriors, O’Neal consistently believed in his abilities and his team’s prowess, a sentiment validated by the recent rankings.
Delightfully, the list featured O’Neal’s 2005/06 Miami Heat roster, marking his sole championship without Kobe. The 7’1″ center took pride in this achievement and even credited himself and former teammate Gary Payton as architects of the renowned ‘Heat culture.
The rankings not only validate his confidence in facing formidable opponents but also underscore the lasting impact of his stellar career on the NBA landscape.
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Shaquille O’Neal’s recent endorsement of the NBA team rankings reflects the enduring legacy of the 2000/01 Lakers and highlights his unwavering confidence in his teams throughout his illustrious career.