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Shaq: LeBron could change GOAT conversation by tying MJ in titles

Barry Gossage / National Basketball Association / Getty

The debate over the greatest basketball player of all time will likely never be settled, but Shaquille O'Neal thinks the conversation could shift more in LeBron James' favor if he wins more championships.

O'Neal recently weighed in on the debate on CBS Sports' "All Things Covered" podcast.

"He already passed Kobe (Bryant) and (Michael) Jordan in points," O'Neal said. "Now, once he gets five championships, now he'll be closer to the GOAT. But as he gets five, he's gonna be creeping on Kareem (Abdul-Jabbar) too (in points).

"I think he's looking to pass Kareem, right, to get to 39,000 and then that'll automatically put him as the best player. And if he ties Mike, I think people will probably lean a little bit more towards LeBron being the best player in the world."

O'Neal went on to say "the conversation probably will change" if James does pass Abdul-Jabbar in points and tie Jordan in championships.

James won his fourth title in October, putting him one ring back of Bryant and two back of Jordan.

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