Shaquille O'Neal Claims Could Win Three Rings With Tracy McGrady Instead Of Kobe Bryant

The Los Angeles Lakers are actively pursuing Robert Williams III as a backup center to complement newly acquired Deandre Ayton, aiming to bolster their rim defense and frontcourt depth despite Williams' injury concerns. Meanwhile, basketball legend Shaquille O'Neal recently sparked debate by suggesting that if the Lakers had traded Kobe Bryant for Tracy McGrady around 2000, he still could have won three NBA championships with McGrady as his teammate. O'Neal praised McGrady's scoring ability and potential impact but acknowledged that McGrady lacked Bryant's renowned 'killer mentality,' a view supported by the Morris twins who emphasized Kobe's unique competitive edge. This hypothetical trade scenario has reignited discussions on NBA history, contrasting Bryant's legacy as a Lakers icon with McGrady's injury-plagued but highly talented career. O'Neal's comments underline the complexities of comparing great players and imagining alternative championship outcomes for the Lakers franchise.