(justrivals.com)

A few days ago Shaquille O’Neal and Scottie Pippen exchanged insults after O’Neal posted a picture of his version of the greatest Lakers players versus the greatest Bulls players. O’Neal even had to balls to post an Instagram which stated “We would beat em by fifty “what you think”. Let me know and don’t hold back”.

The post created a huge debate and generated tons of buzz across the internet and social networking sites.

The NBA staff here at Sports Unbiased decided to weigh in with our picks on which players would win the match-ups and which team would win in an NBA Finals series.  We have also included several polls in which you can decide the outcome as well.  Check out what we had to say and make sure to cast your vote.

Which player would win the match-up?

 Magic Johnson vs. Derrick Rose

(NBA.com)

Ben Buchanan: Magic over Rose.  

Although a healthy Derrick Rose is something terrifying to think about, A prime Magic Johnson is almost an unstoppable force. Magic Johnson re-invented the PG position and is a top 10 player of all time.

Keith Rivas: Magic Johnson. 

Johnson would beat Derrick Rose solely on the basis that we know Rose has serious health concerns.

Not being able to play at 100 percent at all times would cost Rose in a head-to-head match up against Magic Johnson and, considering that the top Lakers of all-time were pretty good at keeping their health up, I’ll take Magic.

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Jr. Williams: Magic Johnson

Magic Johnson was a superior player at multiple positions and his durability allowed him to mix it up with virtually any player on the court. Johnson was a 6-9 point guard who could score, pass, defend, and overpower smaller players in the league. Larry Bird didn’t say Johnson was the greatest player he had played against for nothing– Johnson was ferocious on the court.  While I think Rose is a tremendous talent (when healthy), Johnson is the total package and compliment to any team vying for an NBA title. This match-up is a no brainer.

Michael Jordan vs. Kobe Bryant

(NBA.com)

Ben Buchanan: MJ over Kobe.
Micheal Jordan is the great player of all-time, it’s that simple. Jordan is a completely dominant force and is too much for Kobe (or anyone) to handle. Although, Kobe Bryant is a tremendous player and a rare talent he can’t edge out MJ.

Keith Rivas: Kobe Bryant.

I honestly think this could be decided by a coin flip.

You’ve got arguably the greatest player in NBA history on one end (Jordan) clashing against arguably the best Laker of all-time (Bryant) — not an easy pick.

Both guys are the kind of players that carry that sass and swagger you look for in the ultimate basketball player, so that doesn’t make the decision any easier…at least for me.

In the end though I feel like Kobe Bryant is surrounded by a stronger core and because of that would be able to focus more on the one-on-one match up instead of having to try and be a one man show.

Because let’s face it, being on a really good team changes the entire dynamic of the Jordan vs. Bryant debate.

I’m taking Kobe.

Jr. Williams: Michael Jordan.  

He set the set the standard for what many players based their games from, and with his competitive nature, I find it hard to believe Kobe could beat him in a one-on-one match-up. Keep in mind Jordan had been taking Shaq and Kobe to school for a few years before he ultimately retired. Competitively, It won’t be an easy feat for either player, however, If I we’re forced to pick which player would win while they were in their prime– It’s hard to go against 23, because there would be no 24 without him.

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Next page: Pippen vs. Baylor, Kareem vs Grant, and NBA finals poll