Shaquille O'Neal has voiced his strong disapproval regarding Kobe Bryant's placement outside of the top 10 in a recent ranking of the greatest NBA players. The list, published by Bleacher Report and compiled by various NBA experts, ranked Bryant at 11, leading O'Neal to label this decision as "criminal." He expressed his sentiments on social media shortly after the ranking was revealed, emphasizing his belief that Bryant deserves a higher position among basketball legends.

The players ranked ahead of Bryant in the top 10 include Michael Jordan, LeBron James, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, Bill Russell, O'Neal himself, Tim Duncan, Larry Bird, Wilt Chamberlain, and Stephen Curry. Following Bryant on the list are notable players like Hakeem Olajuwon and Kevin Durant. O'Neal, who has previously shared his thoughts on Bryant's legacy, has consistently placed Bryant among the all-time greats, often advocating for his inclusion in the top tier of NBA players.

Bryant, who ranks fourth in all-time NBA scoring with 33,643 points, is remembered not only for his scoring ability but also for his "Mamba Mentality," which continues to inspire athletes across various sports. He and O'Neal had a complex relationship as former teammates with the Los Angeles Lakers, winning three NBA championships together. Despite their disagreements during their playing days, both maintained a mutual respect and acknowledgment of each other's contributions to the game. O'Neal's comments reflect a broader sentiment among fans and players who believe Bryant's impact on the NBA is significant enough to warrant a place in the top 10, further fueling discussions about how players are ranked in the league's storied history.