Who would be more devastating with prime Shaq?

[sportjames23]

Lebron or Curry?

Put either one on the 2000s Lakers in Kobe's place. Which team up would dominate more?

[lilteapot]

http://i.imgur.com/WO38t86.jpg

[dubeta]

LeBron + Shaq = 8 rings

Curry + Shaq = lose in the second round


Curry is basically a shorter Penny Hardaway, and we all saw how bad Shaq choked with him.

[IGOTGAME]

Kobe was 22 at the time so I'd go with 22 year old Lebron.

[VengefulAngel]

What some of you fail to realise when making these comparisons is the fact that Lebron has played at an all-time great level for 10 years whilst Curry has 2 ATG great years, so for the purpose of winning rings I would clearly pick Lebron. In terms of peak-play I would still go with Lebron however this is a lot closer then when we are simply comparing their careers. In my mind Lebron is a better defender, rebounder and playmaker although i'm tentative about playmaking ability simply due to the gravity which Curry holds. Steph is far better shooter, 29 points on 68TS%, vs 27 points on 66.5TS% and thus is a more reliable threat but Lebron's offense is underrated entirely on this board.

So Lebron is greater than Curry both in terms of Peak-play and career. However Curry can still challenge Lebron in terms of absolute peak performance with years to come.

[HenryGarfunkle]

LeBron and this ones NOT EVEN CLOSE.

The two most impressive physical freaks in the history of the sport, on the same team.

If both stayed healthy they'd go 82-0, and 16-0 in the playoffs. The other players don't matter.

Not that curry/SHAQ wouldn't be great, it's just LEBRON/SHAQ would be the greaTEST.

It's a travesty kobe only won 3 rings with SHAQ. Seriosly, SHAQ was the best offensive force ever. Laker fans should despise kobe for ruining everything.

[dhsilv]

What some of you fail to realise when making these comparisons is the fact that Lebron has played at an all-time great level for 10 years whilst Curry has 2 ATG great years, so for the purpose of winning rings I would clearly pick Lebron. In terms of peak-play I would still go with Lebron however this is a lot closer then when we are simply comparing their careers. In my mind Lebron is a better defender, rebounder and playmaker although i'm tentative about playmaking ability simply due to the gravity which Curry holds. Steph is far better shooter, 29 points on 68TS%, vs 27 points on 66.5TS% and thus is a more reliable threat but Lebron's offense is underrated entirely on this board.

So Lebron is greater than Curry both in terms of Peak-play and career. However Curry can still challenge Lebron in terms of absolute peak performance with years to come.

Curry's having his 3rd all time great season. The year before his MVP is greatly underrated. That was an epic all time season that for some reason the media just didn't highlight.

[dhsilv]

Curry highlights Shaq's skills better, but over their careers Lebron was enough better that it wouldn't matter.

[VengefulAngel]

Curry's having his 3rd all time great season. The year before his MVP is greatly underrated. That was an epic all time season that for some reason the media just didn't highlight.

I disagree his advanced statistics in that season are below all Lebron season's beside his first two seasons. I'll say that it was an "elite" season but i'm not going to all-time great.

[dhsilv]

I disagree his advanced statistics in that season are below all Lebron season's beside his first two seasons. I'll say that it was an "elite" season but i'm not going to all-time great.

That's fair. The nba is nearing 70 years old (I no feel old as I remember the 50th pretty damn well) and curry's season that year if we're saying top 5 seasons a year (5 positions) is clearly in that grouping and thus I say it was all time great.

if you have a higher standard that's cool. My point is really just that Curry has been an all nba level guy even if the media missed it for at least an extra year.

[Overdrive]

Lebron or Curry?

Put either one on the 2000s Lakers in Kobe's place. Which team up would dominate more?

I'd take Lebron. Don't like his style of playing nor shooting or anything else about him, but if he straight replaces Kobe and Curry would, too. Lebron's a better replacement. He gives them more size and they, atleast in the early 2000s NBA, don't need a 3pt spammer. They had enough players who could hit a three when really needed.

The only thing Lebron would lack compared to Curry is scoring as his scoring isn't as compatible with the early 2000s Lakers as Curry's is. I also think Curry wouldn't clash with Shaq whereas Lebron could.

btw I don't think any combination would get more rings than Shaq & Kobe. Everything would need to be perfect again to threepeat.

[Lebronxrings]

lebron+shaq would 8peat

[stalkerforlife]

Reality is hard to accept, eh?

Kobe makes that puzzy rain often...often...he does it often.

[Bandito]

Curry probably as he can dominate from outside while Shaq dominate from inside and he's a little better of playmaker than Lebron. Lebron beats anyone by going inside which is his strength, so he needs player that could do slash inside and shooters not a dominant center.

[AirBonner]

LeBron easily. Kobe was a decent defender back then. Curry's defense would get exposed quite badly.

[bdreason]

Gimme Curry, because I'd be playing through Shaq on offense, and Curry is an infinitely better off-ball player. It really has nothing to do with who is better between LeBron and Curry, because I'm building around Shaq, and Curry compliments him better.

[dubeta]

Gimme Curry, because I'd be playing through Shaq on offense, and Curry is an infinitely better off-ball player. It really has nothing to do with who is better between LeBron and Curry, because I'm building around Shaq, and Curry compliments him better.

LOL nice try, inb4 Shaq becomes a spot-up shooter

[dhsilv]

LeBron easily. Kobe was a decent defender back then. Curry's defense would get exposed quite badly.

who would expose him? Which series that was close would that be an issue?

[Quickening]

Both better than Kobe

[Showtime2001]

Kobe better than both
:applause:

[34-24 Footwork]

I feel like both wouldn't produce 3 rings the way Shaq did with Kobe.

Kobe was the :

perimeter defensive stopper
play maker
clutch free-throw shooter

If offense ran through Shaq, Lebron would average about 12ppg with his subpar shooting from 5 feet and beyond. Kobe LIVED around 12-18 feet during those years.

Curry would average a LOT more...but wouldn't be as effective defensively or physically during some of those western conference rivalries.

[HenryGarfunkle]

Gimme Curry, because I'd be playing through Shaq on offense, and Curry is an infinitely better off-ball player. It really has nothing to do with who is better between LeBron and Curry, because I'm building around Shaq, and Curry compliments him better.
You're forgetting defense, LeBron trumps curry tenfold on that end.

PLUS he'd be better on offense anyway, because he's a better creator. He'd still be LeBron but with the greatest offensive center ever clogging the paint to receive dimes, and if they stay on shaq it'd create open shots for Lebron in the paint to which he finishes way better than curry. He'd still be the transition king and would single-handedly eliminate any holes on the team. With curry you'd just be creating unnecessary gaps.... poor defense, average transition game, average in the paint.... 3pt shooting isn't worth all the negatives. LeBron makes them a complete team no matter who the role players are.

[ROCSteady]

LeBron would get mad at the lane being clogged and get Shaq traded before they had a chance to dynasty

[Akrazotile]

LeBron and this ones NOT EVEN CLOSE.

The two most impressive physical freaks in the history of the sport, on the same team.

If both stayed healthy they'd go 82-0, and 16-0 in the playoffs. The other players don't matter.

Not that curry/SHAQ wouldn't be great, it's just LEBRON/SHAQ would be the greaTEST.

It's a travesty kobe only won 3 rings with SHAQ. Seriosly, SHAQ was the best offensive force ever. Laker fans should despise kobe for ruining everything.



Kobe and curry looking small af :lebronamazed:

[Angel Face]

Damn, Steph will have open Jumpers all day long. Teams usually flood Shaq with double teams.

Easy pick. Curry over Lebron.

[3ball]

Lebron all day here.. Not close.

Of course, both Lebron (2009-2011) and Shaq (1995, 1997, 1998, 2004) have a significant track record of losing as the favorite and with uber-stacked squads - so they'd have a couple massive choke/underperformances along the way, but in the other years, they'd dominate.

Obviously, we know who would play the best alongside Shaq - the guy that went 6/6 WITHOUT any semblance of a dominant big man.

[kennethgriffin]

LeBron + Shaq = 8 rings

Curry + Shaq = lose in the second round


Curry is basically a shorter Penny Hardaway, and we all saw how bad Shaq choked with him.


lebron threw the 2011 championship cause wade was in line for finals mvp



theres no way he wins anything with prime shaq because no matter what... shaq would be getting the mvps


bran would sabotage until shaq got fed up and asked for a trade







curry on the other hand would atleast be happy contributing in any way he can.

[aj1987]

I feel like both wouldn't produce 3 rings the way Shaq did with Kobe.

Kobe was the :

perimeter defensive stopper
play maker
clutch free-throw shooter

If offense ran through Shaq, Lebron would average about 12ppg with his subpar shooting from 5 feet and beyond. Kobe LIVED around 12-18 feet during those years.

Curry would average a LOT more...but wouldn't be as effective defensively or physically during some of those western conference rivalries.
61% and 62% of Kobe's shots were outside 10ft in '01 and '02. LeBron was at 53% and 50%. Kobe basically made 1 shot more than LeBron outside 10ft per game.

[Dr Hawk]

Curry and it is not even remotely close

[SwayDizzle]

One thing you guys fail to realize is that it was Kobe's mentality that helped Shaq win. Shaq needed someone that would challenge his ego and tell him to step aside, the 'i got this' approach. Kobe had that from the start. And on numerous occassions saved the day with his ferocious will to win and be the best. Lebron lacks this mentality. On multiple occassions we have seen him crumble under the pressure. I doubt a Shaq/Lebron duo would win more than two rings and most likely fall to the Spurs more often than not. There is a reason someone like Shaq can acknowledge Kobe's greatness, coz deep down he knows he was the perfect match for them to school the league.

[Velocirap31]

How about Steve Nash and prime Shaq? Look what Nash did with Amare.

[zeerghit]

One thing you guys fail to realize is that it was Kobe's mentality that helped Shaq win. Shaq needed someone that would challenge his ego and tell him to step aside, the 'i got this' approach. Kobe had that from the start. And on numerous occassions saved the day with his ferocious will to win and be the best. Lebron lacks this mentality. On multiple occassions we have seen him crumble under the pressure. I doubt a Shaq/Lebron duo would win more than two rings and most likely fall to the Spurs more often than not. There is a reason someone like Shaq can acknowledge Kobe's greatness, coz deep down he knows he was the perfect match for them to school the league.
i agree with this one

[Mike Armstrong]

Current Steph would be more devastating with Shaq. They would compliment each other so much. However, LeBron has been a great player for much longer than Steph, and has been more healthy, so over years, LeBron + Shaq is the better pick.

[feyki]

Kobe .

[Gileraracer]

Lebron is a known choker so i got to go with Chef Curry

[lilandywiggins]

Shaq frequently needed benched in the 4th because of his free throws. Do you really want to rely on LeBron in the 4th without an All-NBA talent on the floor with him?

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

61% and 62% of Kobe's shots were outside 10ft in '01 and '02. LeBron was at 53% and 50%. Kobe basically made 1 shot more than LeBron outside 10ft per game.

How many did LeBron convert in comparison to Kobe?

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

One thing you guys fail to realize is that it was Kobe's mentality that helped Shaq win. Shaq needed someone that would challenge his ego and tell him to step aside, the 'i got this' approach. Kobe had that from the start. And on numerous occassions saved the day with his ferocious will to win and be the best. Lebron lacks this mentality. On multiple occassions we have seen him crumble under the pressure. I doubt a Shaq/Lebron duo would win more than two rings and most likely fall to the Spurs more often than not. There is a reason someone like Shaq can acknowledge Kobe's greatness, coz deep down he knows he was the perfect match for them to school the league.

Pretty good post.

I still see LeBron winning a few rings with Shaq, but Kobe's midrange, 1-on-1 defense, and "mentality" definitely helped LA 3-peat (although later hurt and strained his relationship with Shaq).

[aj1987]

How many did LeBron convert in comparison to Kobe?
61% and 62% of Kobe's shots were outside 10ft in '01 and '02. LeBron was at 53% and 50%. Kobe basically made 1 shot more than LeBron outside 10ft per game.

That's actually less than one made shot per game and even that is only because Kobe took more shots.

Kobe outside 10ft in '01 - 40%
Kobe outside 10ft in '02 - 39%

LeBron outside 10ft in '12 - 40%
LeBron outside 10ft in '13 - 42%

LeBron actually shot better than Kobe outside 10ft, but because of Kobe's 10% higher volume, Kobe scored ~1 point more than LeBron. Heck even last season, with his broke AF jumper, LeBron converted 37% of his shots outside 10ft.

[Chadwin]

Curry and it is not even remotely close

this

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

61% and 62% of Kobe's shots were outside 10ft in '01 and '02. LeBron was at 53% and 50%. Kobe basically made 1 shot more than LeBron outside 10ft per game.

That's actually less than one made shot per game and even that is only because Kobe took more shots.

Kobe outside 10ft in '01 - 40%
Kobe outside 10ft in '02 - 39%

LeBron outside 10ft in '12 - 40%
LeBron outside 10ft in '13 - 42%

LeBron actually shot better than Kobe outside 10ft, but because of Kobe's 10% higher volume, Kobe scored ~1 point more than LeBron. Heck even last season, with his broke AF jumper, LeBron converted 37% of his shots outside 10ft.

I wasn't aware you were comparing LeBron's peak but some interesting numbers regardless.

His 2013 campaign is greater than ANY of Kobe's seasons, mainly because guy kept defenses honest with his shooting. You combine that with the all-around play, damn, a hell of a year for LBJ.

[Mike Armstrong]

this
Why do you seem to be a Curry fan yet have an asterisk on the Warrior's trophy in your avy?

[aj1987]

I wasn't aware you were comparing LeBron's peak but some interesting numbers regardless.

His 2013 campaign is greater than ANY of Kobe's seasons, mainly because guy kept defenses honest with his shooting. You combine that with the all-around play, damn, a hell of a year for LBJ.
I just picked the two years he won a ring. Also, as I said, even last season with his broke AF jumper, LeBron hit 37% of his shots outside 10ft. Pretty close to '01 and '02 Kobe shooting numbers.

[scm5]

Shaq was the most dominant post-player to have ever played the game and one of the best passers at the position as well.

You combine that with the best shooter the game has ever seen, who just so happens to be a great off-ball player as well as playmaker, and you're going to see some ridiculous numbers.

I'm not sure how well Lebron would play with Shaq because of style. There's a reason the stars he teams up with all have a dip across the board statistically playing with Lebron. He doesn't let them play the way they're accustomed to playing.

[pegasus]

Definitely Curry. Do you guys not remember how Mozgov had a career game against the Warriors in the finals and then the next game he was benched because he wasn't spreading the floor for Lebron? How would that work with Shaq?

I'd take Kobe over Curry to play with Shaq because of his defense, but I'm sure Shaq+Curry would win a bunch of rings too (unless Kobe and Duncan teamed up). And I'd take any other superstar before Lebron.

[riseagainst]

LOL nice try, inb4 Shaq becomes a spot-up shooter

that's what playing with lebron would do to Shaq. Shaq would have to practice 3's all day.

[dubeta]

that's what playing with lebron would do to Shaq. Shaq would have to practice 3's all day.


How original :applause:



Got anymore of those? :lol

[RoseCity07]

Lebron is a much better playmaker than Curry and he would be sure to get Shaq the ball. Curry's threat is his shooting. If he's shooting 3s all day that's Shaq not getting as many touches. They'd both be amazing though. Gotta go with prime Lebron.

[miggyme1]

this thread is lame. im going with an injury free prime penny hardaway. they would of went down as the greatest duo ever......better than magic and kareem......better than any duo....EVER.

[uber]

I would go with Lebron but a lot of people underestimate what it would mean to have the range of curry combined with shaq's dominance in the paint.

[!@#$%Vectors!@#]

You have to players who would have to be doubled the second they have the ball and one of them gets doubled the second he crosses half court. The Defense literally cant do anything. Just get a good 3 and D player that can guard the best guard and Shaq + Steph would be ungurardable together .


Lebron would not compliment shaq. They both have similar weaknesses and cant work the paint well if either of them is clogging it. all double teams on either player leaves the other or teammates to get free touches. It would pretty much be stephs Gravity combined with Shaqs.

As much as I knock on Bron, he is a great player but his flaws coincide too much with Shaqs. You don't want someone who can't shoot the j proficiently because the defense will force him to shoot and collapse the paint. And, with Shaq there, that leaves lebron no room to work. If Lebron had decent skill and footwork, then this wouldnt be a problem but, he needs a wide open lane and a headstart to be effective in the paint where as other skilled and fundamentally sound players like Kobe, Hakeem, Mchale, Jordan and most Goats only need a little bit of room to cause havoc.

Pretty much Steph!
'

[Chadwin]

You have to players who would have to be doubled the second they have the ball and one of them gets doubled the second he crosses half court. The Defense literally cant do anything. Just get a good 3 and D player that can guard the best guard and Shaq + Steph would be ungurardable together .


Lebron would not compliment shaq. They both have similar weaknesses and cant work the paint well if either of them is clogging it. all double teams on either player leaves the other or teammates to get free touches. It would pretty much be stephs Gravity combined with Shaqs.

As much as I knock on Bron, he is a great player but his flaws coincide too much with Shaqs. You don't want someone who can't shoot the j proficiently because the defense will force him to shoot and collapse the paint. And, with Shaq there, that leaves lebron no room to work. If Lebron had decent skill and footwork, then this wouldnt be a problem but, he needs a wide open lane and a headstart to be effective in the paint where as other skilled and fundamentally sound players like Kobe, Hakeem, Mchale, Jordan and most Goats only need a little bit of room to cause havoc.

Pretty much Steph!
'

This. Clog the paint and make Bron shoot or clog the paint and make Curry shoot. The choice is obvious if you're the defense.

If you don't double Shaq you get eaten alive with Curry or Bron, and Bron is easier to single cover.

[!@#$%Vectors!@#]

http://i.imgur.com/a8V37O9.jpg

:lol This is why I love ISH

[PP34Deuce]

Prime Lebron alone has been a major catalyst for hitting the finals. Winning 2 of them with great talent.

Prime Shaq could take a team to the conference finals every time.

You put both of these match up proof players together and you get magic and raw athletiscm never seen.

Lebron is not Kobe or Curry but he would be like how MAgic and Kareem were to Shaq. Shaq would average more points because Lebron is a better passer and playmaker than both. If you are a GM, you just need shooters and finishers.

[PP34Deuce]

You have to players who would have to be doubled the second they have the ball and one of them gets doubled the second he crosses half court. The Defense literally cant do anything. Just get a good 3 and D player that can guard the best guard and Shaq + Steph would be ungurardable together .


Lebron would not compliment shaq. They both have similar weaknesses and cant work the paint well if either of them is clogging it. all double teams on either player leaves the other or teammates to get free touches. It would pretty much be stephs Gravity combined with Shaqs.

As much as I knock on Bron, he is a great player but his flaws coincide too much with Shaqs. You don't want someone who can't shoot the j proficiently because the defense will force him to shoot and collapse the paint. And, with Shaq there, that leaves lebron no room to work. If Lebron had decent skill and footwork, then this wouldnt be a problem but, he needs a wide open lane and a headstart to be effective in the paint where as other skilled and fundamentally sound players like Kobe, Hakeem, Mchale, Jordan and most Goats only need a little bit of room to cause havoc.

Pretty much Steph!
'

It would work like how Magic and Kareem worked. Shaq would get the fed the ball a lot and often. Lebron would do a little of everything. Aesthetics suggest Curry Shaq would be more appealing but if you have a chance to have 2 prime players in Lebron and Shaq, you can build around that team a hell of a lot easier. Plus Lebron rarely gets hurt and is a tank.

[!@#$%Vectors!@#]

It would work like how Magic and Kareem worked. Shaq would get the fed the ball a lot and often. Lebron would do a little of everything. Aesthetics suggest Curry Shaq would be more appealing but if you have a chance to have 2 prime players in Lebron and Shaq, you can build around that team a hell of a lot easier. Plus Lebron rarely gets hurt and is a tank.


Lebron is a player who wouldnt want to take a back seat to another star. He wants to fill up the stat sheet and wants the ball in his hands so he can pass out. Then Again Lebron has never played with such a dominant Big Man but I feel that their play style will conflict too much while Stephs game can make him a second option if it so called. He can take over the game when he wants but until he wants he will play offball and all he needs is alitle bit of room to nail a 3.

[PP34Deuce]

Lebron is a player who wouldnt want to take a back seat to another star. He wants to fill up the stat sheet and wants the ball in his hands so he can pass out. Then Again Lebron has never played with such a dominant Big Man but I feel that their play style will conflict too much while Stephs game can make him a second option if it so called. He can take over the game when he wants but until he wants he will play offball and all he needs is alitle bit of room to nail a 3.

Fair point. I believe when you have someone like Shaq, Lebron would play 2nd fiddle. I remember his rookie year to fit in he purposely fed the ball to Ricky Davis because he was the established guy there. He did the same thing with Wade until Wade told him he needed to dominate.