Shaquille O'Neal didn't hesitate when choosing between LeBron James and Steph Curry as the best current NBA player

Shaquille O’Neal has given his views on the LeBron James and Steph Curry debate.

The NBA superstars are regarded as two of the best players in the league – and they have the hefty salaries to match.

LeBron himself is often cited as one of the greatest to ever play professional basketball, and the GOAT debate between him and Michael Jordan is likely to never be definitively settled.

Now aged 39, LeBron remains one of the league’s best players and most recognisable names, and his rivalry with Curry looks set to continue as the pair chase even more individual and team honours.

But Shaq reckons it is Curry who is the better bet for the 2024/25 season.

The legendary former player was asked to rank his top 50 players alongside the Inside the NBA crew.

And he named Curry in fourth place, ahead of LeBron in fifth.

Shaq explained he prioritised winning when considering his rankings. He told Bleacher Report: "You have to be a winner. You have to win at that level."

Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic came out on top in Shaq’s list, while Giannis Antetokounmpo was second and Luka Doncic third.

Steph Curry and LeBron James hit a celebration during France vs. USA. Image: Getty

Interestingly, his fellow crew members Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith had very different orders.

When all three lists were combined, Jokic was still top of the pile.

But the rankings for LeBron and Steph were reversed – King James stayed at fifth in the overall rankings while Curry dropped down to sixth.

Shaq’s full top ten:

1. Nikola Jokić, Center (Nuggets)

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Forward (Bucks)

3. Luka Dončić, Guard (Mavericks)

4. Stephen Curry, Guard (Warriors)

5. LeBron James, Forward (Lakers)

6. Kevin Durant, Forward (Suns)

7. Joel Embiid, Center (76ers)

8. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard (Thunder)

9. Anthony Edwards, Guard (Timberwolves)

10. Jaylen Brown, Wing (Celtics)

The overall top ten:

1. Nikola Jokić, Center (Nuggets)

2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Forward (Bucks)

3. Luka Dončić, Guard (Mavericks)

4. Joel Embiid, Center (76ers)

5. LeBron James, Forward (Lakers)

6. Stephen Curry, Guard (Warriors)

7. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Guard (Thunder)

8. Kevin Durant, Forward (Suns)

9. Jaylen Brown, Wing (Celtics)

10. Jayson Tatum, Forward (Celtics)