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Lakers Kobe Bryant bumps chests with Shaquille O’Neal after O’Neal got fouled scoring in the first half during the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs at Staples Center Sunday April 21, 2002.Trailblazer Damon Stoudamire looks on from the left. Lakers won 9587. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
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Lakers Kobe Bryant bumps chests with Shaquille O’Neal after O’Neal got fouled scoring in the first half during the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs at Staples Center Sunday April 21, 2002.Trailblazer Damon Stoudamire looks on from the left. Lakers won 9587. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
James Harden has announced himself in Philly with a dominating start. His dynamic with Joel Embiid has made them one of the best duos in the league. Analysts and other insiders have given the duo props for their dominance. However, fans feel it is going too far with comparisons with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal pouring in.
Kobe and Shaq rank as one of the best duos of all time. While they had their issues with one another, they delivered when it came time to play. Not many duos overshine what the Mamba and Shaq did. As the last duo to three-peat, they left behind a legacy.
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Lakers Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant celebrate after defeating the 76ers in Game 4 of the NBA Finals in Philadelphia Wednesday June 13, 2001. (Photo by Wally Skalij/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Recently, Shaq spoke out and shut down the comparisons between Joel Embiid and James Harden.
Too soon for Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant
Embiid and Harden have taken the league by storm with their emergence as a duo. The Beard resurrected his scoring game while continuing to be the key playmaker. On the other hand, Embiid hasn’t lost a touch and is continuing his MVP-worthy run. The duo, along with Maxey, put up 176 points in their first 2 games. That only falls behind the trio of Wilt, Paul, and York with 193.
But with the comparisons with Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant, things may be going too far. While Harden and Embiid have definitely started with a bang, their achievements are far off from Bryant and Shaq. The Big Diesel killed any comparisons, saying, “No. Hell no. Not after one year. Me and Kobe had eight years of damage together. No, not even close. Stop it. Listen, no, hell no and f— no.”
This comparison also got the fans talking. They took to Twitter to give their take on it.
The social media generation so damn disrespectful https://t.co/JDjBVhrivU
— Darrin Hood 🎱 (@dhood_4) March 9, 2022
He mad lolol https://t.co/4RJGRXCd75
— Barkseid Unchained (@Barkseid_) March 10, 2022
first and foremost, don't EVER compare Lames Harden to Kobe.. period. yall basketball "fans" really have long arms… JUST REACHIN. https://t.co/wxggdyAhzz
— Zach (@ZachSmittz) March 10, 2022
Ya talking a bunch of nonsense over 3 FUCKING GAMES 😭😭😭😭 like why do people do this shit compare a whole legacy of the Duo to mfs who went off in 3 games, no titles no nothing lol smh https://t.co/OX6EAovont
— Jay💭🔂 (@BittahBanditt) March 10, 2022
People really comparing three regular season wins…to three championships! https://t.co/O49e2kjEZl
— I'M FROM BROOKLYN…THAT'S IT! (@DEBOMARKS) March 10, 2022
Why do people always do this? It’s getting ridiculous! Everybody is the new Kobe and Shaq huh? What Shaq said. Because man stop it smh. https://t.co/RFKCBePSbS
— RIP Betty White & Kobe/GiGi 💔💔💔 (@EightWitTha24) March 10, 2022
FACTS https://t.co/m4ojz1yMnI
— Sports Central (@CarmeloJreal) March 10, 2022
Kobe and O’Neal were one of the most iconic duos in NBA history. They won three championships together being the perfect fit as Superman and Batman. In addition, the duo grew together as players and individuals. While Shaq represented the dominant side, Kobe was the technical genius. With success as their validation, Harden-Embiid have a lot to do.
READ MORE– DeMar DeRozan Reveals How He Stopped Wearing Jordans Because of Kobe Bryant
However, they have started off well in the initial stages. While they have set the tone for a dominant reign early, Shaq and Kobe got three titles in 8 years together. With all the pressure right on the Philly duo, do you think they will deliver with a championship for the Sixers? Let us know in the comments below.
