Shaq said Bryant ranks number two on his all-time list because he’s the closest player to Michael Jordan.

Like most Los Angeles Lakers fans,  doesn't want to see an all-time NBA player list without Kobe Byrant in the top 10. 

O’Neal has been vocal about how ridiculous it is for some analysts and even fans of the game not to consider Bryant as one of the top 10 best players in NBA history. In fact, the Diesel would remove anyone that’s not named Michael Jordan, LeBron James, 

, Kobe Bryant, and Magic Johnson.

In the latest episode of the  Chill (the host) ran through his list and said that Bryant isn’t in his top 10. As expected, O'Neal didn't like what he heard.

 Shaq said.

O’Neal has been a protector of Kobe’s legacy

Whether it’s during his appearances on TNT’s “Inside the NBA” or on any basketball podcast, it’s often that you hear O’Neal give his praise for 

 He’s one of the handful of former players who believes that Bryant’s legacy has slowly been forgotten, and that’s why he makes it a point to remind everyone how remarkable the 5-time champion was during his playing years.

In fact, in the same episode on , the big man said that Bryant ranks number two on his all-time list because he’s the closest player in terms of skill set, achievements, and mentality to Michael Jordan.

 O'Neal .

Still, O’Neal had to give Bird his props

O’Neal removing Bird off Chill’s all-time list isn’t a knock on the ’ legend per se but rather more of a preference type of thing. 

O’Neal is well aware of  legacy and how, just like Bryant, he’s proven himself as a winner — with three championships, two Finals MVP awards, and three MVPs to his name. For O’Neal, what stands out about Bird the most is his ability to trash talk.

O'Neal said.