The Los Angeles Lakers boast of having some of the biggest superstars in the NBA represent them. Whether it is Magic Johnson, Kobe Bryant, or Shaquille O’Neal, they have spent an important part of their life in the Lakers.
That being said, the relationship between Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson is widely covered in a recent series. Going by the name of “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty”, this series covers the dominant Lakers dynasty.
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Safe to say, the crux of the show is the relationship between Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. The two formed one of the best duos during their time and dominated the NBA. However, the writer of the show feels the Shaq-Kobe relationship is much more interesting.
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When asked to choose one, the author, Jeff Pearlman, kept his personal bias aside and chose the Shaq and Kobe duo. He said, “The Shaq-Kobe relationship is much more interesting than the Magic-Kareem relationship if you are just talking superstars.“
Shaquille O’NealKobe BryantLos Angeles LakersShaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant vs Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant played for the Lakers from 1996 to 2004. Forming a dynamic pair, they led the Lakers to titles in 2000, 2001, and 2002. However, their relationship was not always good.
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Lakers Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal sit on the bench with foul trouble against the Timberwolves in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals at Staples Center Monday. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Shaq and Kobe had an infamous feud that led to headlines all around the world. Furthermore, O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat after this alleged feud.
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On the other hand, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar formed the perfect master and apprentice relationship. Magic entered the Lakers as a rookie, while Kareem was already an established star.
Imago
LOS ANGELES, CA – JULY 25: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (L) and Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson attend the MLB game between the Cincinnatti Reds and Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on July 25, 2013 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Mark Sullivan/WireImage)
They led the Lakers to titles in 1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, and 1988. Playing with Magic, Kareem averaged 20.4 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists in 842 games. On the other hand, playing with Shaq, Kobe averaged 21.9 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 461 games.
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Ajinkya Aswale