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Shaquille O’Neal Picks Winner Between Prime Michael Jordan & LeBron James in 1v1

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Five-time NBA champion and basketball icon, Shaquille O’Neal, once weighed in on one of basketball’s most debated hypothetical match-ups: who would come out on top in a one-on-one showdown between LeBron James and Michael Jordan?

Although several names are often included in discussions surrounding the greatest basketball player of all time, the debate most frequently centres on LeBron and Jordan. Both superstars boast compelling arguments in support of their respective claims.

LeBron James vs Michael Jordan

Leaked conversation reveals how Michael Jordan really feels about LeBron James

Jordan concluded his career with a flawless 6-0 NBA Finals record and earned Finals MVP honours in every championship series he won. Renowned for his ability to deliver in crucial moments, MJ was also dominant at both ends of the floor. Alongside winning 10 scoring titles, he earned nine selections to the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

LeBron, on the other hand, has built his case through remarkable longevity and all-around excellence. Currently the oldest active player in the NBA, he holds the league record for career points and ranks fourth all-time in assists. His impact stretches beyond statistics, having guided three separate franchises to NBA championships — a distinction shared by only three other players.

Given their versatility and status among basketball’s all-time greats, predicting the outcome of a one-on-one battle between the pair is far from straightforward. Unsurprisingly, when asked directly, both Jordan and LeBron expressed complete confidence in themselves.

“If I was in my prime, could I beat LeBron in a one-on-one game? No question,” Jordan said during a 2015 interview.

LeBron echoed that confidence while speaking with Today Show host Willie Geist. “Oh, I take myself. I will take myself for sure. I’m going to take myself versus anybody,” James replied. “They’re going to have to have a few wheelchairs and a couple of ambulances there to get us off the floor.”

Shaquille O’Neal’s Pick in a 1v1

Shaquille O'Neal

At a promotional appearance in Hong Kong, Shaquille O’Neal was asked to share his thoughts on the Jordan-LeBron debate. After reflecting on both players and their unique qualities, O’Neal ultimately sided with one of them.

“It would be an interesting game,” O’Neal said, via ESPN. “Young LeBron was more like Magic Johnson. He was kind of a combination of Magic and Jordan. He enjoyed setting teammates up and getting everyone involved. But Mike was Mike. He was simply different — unlike anybody else. He consistently did things nobody else could replicate. That’s what made him special, and that’s why I think he’d win.”


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Michael Jordan or LeBron James? Well, AI has seemingly settled the debate once and for all.

Ever the basketball historian, O’Neal expanded on his appreciation for the sport and revealed the player he personally regards as the greatest.

“I’ve seen young Mike and young LeBron, and I must say Dr. J [Julius Erving] is still my favourite player,” the Hall of Famer explained.

Julius Erving, Philadelphia 76ers

Nearly four decades after stepping away from the game, Erving remains one of basketball’s most influential figures. Often credited with helping popularise the modern slam dunk, he also enjoyed exceptional longevity, scoring more than 30,000 combined points across the ABA and NBA. His high-flying style left a lasting impression on future generations, including Jordan, who repeatedly cited Erving as one of his biggest inspirations.

“A lot of people today don’t even mention his name, but to me, I still think he was the best,” O’Neal added. “But these are questions that we’ll never truly know the answer to. It’s kind of like if I met Bruce Lee in an alleyway. Who wins? Nobody knows. Some people would say, ‘Bruce would beat Shaq.’ Others would say, ‘Shaq is twice the size of Bruce Lee.’ It makes for a great debate and a great conversation, but there’s no way to know for sure.”

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Liverpool Hold Talks to Sign PSG Star Iliya Zabarnyi

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Liverpool have been offered the chance to sign Paris Saint-Germain star Iliya Zabarnyi this summer, according to Dave OCKop.

The Reds are in the market to bolster their squad this summer after a disappointing campaign, which saw them opt to part ways with manager Arne Slot over the weekend, and advance in their move to bring in Andoni Iraola as his immediate replacement.

But now the club is looking at the transfer market to strengthen the squad and shape it in the image of the new manager, and that has seen them presented with a chance to bring in a former player of his.

Liverpool Offered Ilya Zabarnyi

Illia Zabarnyi during a pre-match warm-up at Bournemouth

Zabarnyi, who has been described as ‘unbelievable’, was a key part of Iraola’s Bournemouth side in the 2024/25 season and earned himself a big-money move to Paris Saint-Germain last summer as a result.

But the Ukraine international has struggled for regular game time under Luis Enrique, falling behind Marquinhos and Willian Pacho in the pecking order, and featuring for just 213 minutes in the Champions League, while he made 26 starts in Ligue 1.

The lack of minutes in the Champions League campaign has seen the player open up to a potential exit from the Parc des Princes, and the French champions are also open to letting him move on if they can recoup the £57m fee they paid to sign him.

It’s reported that the player’s representatives, who also represent Curtis Jones, offered the defender to Anfield chiefs during talks about the midfielder’s future recently, and exploratory talks have since been held as a result.

A new centre-back is expected to be brought in after Ibrahima Konate departed the club following the expiry of his contract, and while Jeremy Jacquet is set to arrive, Zabarnyi would be an exciting addition to the squad.

Zabarnyi Would Be Expensive Gamble

Andoni Iraola

Iraola will know better than anyone else what Zabarnyi can offer to the Liverpool squad, but it would still represent a rather expensive gamble to bring him in for what the team need currently.

Virgil Van Dijk is still one of the first names on the team sheet, despite turning 35 before the new season begins, and while Jacquet is young and inexperienced, Liverpool clearly trust him as they spent £60m on him.

The Reds also have Giovanni Leoni once he returns from injury, and Joe Gomez in the squad. Zabarnyi has the quality to compete with them, but if he wants to be first-choice, then it may not be the right fit.


Andoni Iraola


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Liverpool could have a busy summer transfer window.

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Romano Hints Liverpool Will Move to Sign Eli Junior Kroupi for Iraola

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Liverpool could make a move for a ‘world-class’ £100m-rated striker once the appointment of Andoni Iraola is confirmed, journalist Fabrizio Romano has hinted.

Liverpool sacked Arne Slot out of nowhere on Saturday after previous briefings from the media that he would be staying next season, despite a disappointing 2025-26 campaign.

The Reds now want to bring Andoni Iraola in as the Dutchman’s replacement, with the Spaniard a free agent after he left Bournemouth following the expiry of his contract.

Romano has already given the ‘here we go’ to the move, with a deal expected to be completed this week for the 43-year-old to take charge at Anfield.

Should that be confirmed, then work will get underway off the pitch to give Iraola the squad he needs to improve Liverpool’s fortunes after their fifth-placed finish this term.

One area they look to need reinforcements in is in attack, especially with Mohamed Salah’s exit confirmed and the fact that Hugo Ekitike could be missing through injury until 2027.

The Reds’ current options up top include Cody Gakpo, Federico Chiesa, Alexander Isak and RIo Ngumoha, but they will need more strength in depth if they want to compete in the league and Champions League.

Romano Hints at Liverpool Move for Eli Junior Kroupi

AFC Bournemouth's Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates
AFC Bournemouth’s Eli Junior Kroupi celebrates

Eli Junior Kroupi is attracting interest from the very biggest clubs across Europe following an outstanding breakthrough campaign with Bournemouth, under the leadership of Iraola.

The Frenchman scored 13 goals in 33 Premier League appearances for the Cherries at the age of 19, which has led to contact from the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City and Paris Saint-Germain ahead of the summer transfer window.

Romano has hinted that Liverpool could get involved in the race too, should Iraola’s appointment at Anfield be confirmed.

The Italian journalist issued the latest on the £80-100m-rated Junior Kroupi’s future on his YouTube channel.

He said: “I can tell you for sure, Arsenal have called, Manchester City have called, and more clubs are interested. Let’s see if Iraola goes to Liverpool. But also Paris Saint-Germain are in the mix for Eli Junior Kroupi.

“Paris Saint-Germain had some contacts. Paris Saint-Germain took some information on the player, and Paris Saint-Germain really appreciate him, and have a very good connection with his agents.

“So, Premier League giants, Arsenal, Man City, let’s see what happens with Liverpool, with Iraola, and now also Paris Saint-Germain in the mix.”

Liverpool In Talks to Sign Yan Diomande

Yan Diomande

While Liverpool could decide to join the race for Junior Kroupi in the coming weeks, one player they are holding talks to sign now is RB Leizpig sensation Yan Diomande.

Another 19-year-old who has had a remarkable breakthrough season with Leipzig, he is also in demand among some of the biggest club teams in Europe.

Reports suggest that the Reds are in talks regarding personal terms with the Ivory Coast international’s representatives, although they will face competition from Champions League winners PSG.

The Merseysiders may hold an advantage though, with it believed that the teenager currently favours joining them because he has been guaranteed more first-team minutes than he would get at the Parc des Princes.

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Man Utd Will Complete Ederson Transfer in Next 24-48 Hours

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Manchester United will complete a major transfer in the ‘next 24-48 hours’, according to journalist Andy Mitten.

Man United are planning wholesale additions to their squad this summer to ensure they are ready to compete in the Champions League alongside the Premier League, having had no European football to deal with this season.

It is no secret that the Red Devils’ big priority is to transform their midfield during the close season, with up to three new players arriving in the position to complement Kobbie Mainoo in the centre of the park.

Casemiro leaves a big void to fill after his outstanding performances alongside Mainoo under Michael Carrick’s leadership in recent months, while Manuel Ugarte seemingly looks likely to leave Old Trafford after failing to convince both Ruben Amorim and Carrick that he is worthy of a starting place.

While United could add new faces in different positions across the side, including in goal, at full-back, on the wing and in the centre-forward position, if other players leave, they appear to be focusing on midfield first.

The closest deal appears to be for Atalanta midfielder Ederson, with Fabrizio Romano revealing he is expecting it go through ‘unless something crazy happens’.

Andy Mitten: Ederson Deal Completed in Next 24-48 Hours

Ederson celebrating after scoring for Atalanta

United We Stand editor and Athletic journalist Andy Mitten has gone one step further, revealing that he believes that the deal for Ederson will be completed in the next 24-48 hours.

Speaking on the United We Stand YouTube channel, Mitten provided an update on the deal from his information.

He said: “Manchester United and Atalanta of Bergamo do not yet have a full agreement for Ederson, the Brazilian box-to-box midfielder. However, I think, and I have spoken to people in Manchester, in Bergamo, and in other Italian cities, that an agreement is very, very close, so there’s been compromises.

“I fully expect that to be done within the next 24-48 hours.”

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