Why compare Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant?

O'Neal's rivalry with Bryant was marked by a series of intense playoff battles, including a memorable 2002 NBA Finals series.

Shaquille O'Neal

Key numbers

  • Points per game23.7
  • Rebounds per game10.9
  • Blocks per game2.3
  • Field goal percentage58.2%
  • Minutes per game37.7

Top honours

  • NBA championships4 (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006)
  • NBA Finals MVP3 (2000, 2002, 2006)
  • NBA MVP1 (2000)
  • NBA All-Star15
  • NBA All-Star Game MVP3
VS

Kobe Bryant

Key numbers

  • Points per game25.0
  • Points scored33,643
  • Games played1,346
  • Shooting percentage.473
  • Free throw percentage.836

Top honours

  • NBA championships5 (2000-2002, 2009-2010)
  • NBA Finals MVP2 (2009-2010)
  • NBA Most Valuable Player1 (2008)
  • NBA scoring champion2 (2006-2007)
  • NBA All-Star Game MVP4 (2002-2003, 2007-2009)