Legendary NBA center Shaquille O'Neal sided with Michael Jordan when was asked who would win in a one-on-one with LeBron James if both are in their primes.

O'Neal, who was a former teammate of James with the Cavs and had memorable battles with Jordan in the '90s, said he thinks a young Jordan should be chosen, according to CBS Sports.

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However,  he insists that his all-time favorite player Julius "Dr. J" Erving is capable of defeating both.

O'Neal, who was in China on  promotional tour when he was asked, admitted we'll never know what the real answer is.

Incidentally, Shaq also had a debate with Jordan and Scottie Pippen as to who will win in another hypothetical match up between all-time best players from the Los Angeles Lakers and those from the Chicago Bulls.

Shaq insisted his Lakers will beat the best of the Bulls by 50 as much points, which didn't sit well with the Bulls greats.

LeBron James confidently stated that he would beat Michael Jordan in a one-on-one during the latter's prime.

The two-time NBA champion and four-time MVP who is often compared to Michael Jordan in debates about the all time best basketball players, answered, "no question" when asked by Willie Geist about the  hypothetical match up, according to Today.

Jordan fueled the argument by saying in a basketball camp a few days back that he will beat James if both are in their prime.

He made a similar "no question" quip when asked about the one-on-one.

The brash Jordan would always go around claiming he'll beat this and that player.

In fact, he raised many eyebrows last April when he claimed that he could currently defeat all members of the Charlotte Hornets in a one-on-one.

James also has a similar mindset. 

In last season's Finals, James claimed he was "the best player in the world."

Tagsshaquille o'neal, Michael Jordan, Lebron James, Julius Erving, Dr. J, one-on-one