L.A. native Ice Cube snubs Shaquille O'Neal and LeBron James from his Mount Rushmore
Ice Cube
© Aric Becker - USA TODAY Sports
As an L.A. native, Ice Cube is a cult figure in the City of Angels. The multi-awarded rapper definitely knows what’s up regarding the greatest players in the NBA. However, he didn’t find room for two Lakers legends on his own Mount Rushmore.
No Shaq, LeBron, Steph Curry
Ice Cube, born O’Shea Jackson, was part of the rap group N.W.A. He had since gone solo and released countless sold-out albums and concerts. As someone born in Los Angeles, one would expect an all-Lakers Mount Rushmore. Cube included three on his list but skipped two obvious choices.
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When asked who his four players were in an interview with Basketball News, Jackson revealed it was Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain, and Kobe Bryant.
“Oh man, I gotta put Magic Johnson up there, Michael Jordan. You know, I have to put Wilt Chamberlain and I don’t know, I guess I put Kobe Bryant up there. To me, those are just talents that nobody can match.”
Kobe made the list, as well as Magic and Wilt. MJ made it, but as mentioned, LeBron James and Shaquille O’Neal were missing. The choices were all qualified to be on Mt. Rushmore, but The King and The Big Diesel’s snub was surprising. If James and Shaq get in, who could they replace? Even Steph Curry or Kevin Durant’s names are missing. So it’s interesting to see what Ice Cube’s standards are, going old school with Wilt and Magic.
Championships, All-Lifers
If you don’t have MJ on your Mt. Rushmore, you cannot be taken seriously - Cube passed that test. No wonder three other spots went to Lakers players, and out of all the legends, Cube selected an interesting mix. Kobe and Magic are Lakers lifers and will always hold a special place in Laker Nation’s hearts. Adding Wilt shows Cube knows his basketball history and hasn’t forgotten how dominant the Big Dipper was.
Everyone loves winners, but fans hold icons and lifers in special regard. Food for thought for today’s superstars making trade demands every 15 minutes.
