When it comes to sports figures, Shaquille O'Neal has long been one of the most interesting athletes in all of sports ever since he rose through the ranks at LSU in the early 1990s. Since then, he won four NBA Championships, an NBA MVP award, has carved out a prominent analyst role on national TV, and has several business ventures on the side.

Due to his larger-than-life persona, physically and characteristically, people always want to know what Shaq thinks about not only basketball, but everything that's going on in the sports world. In a recent interview with Athlon Sports' Doug Farrar, O'Neal delved deep into several topics, including the Dallas Cowboys, LeBron James, and a surprise pick for NBA MVP.

Shaquille O'Neal says Dallas Cowboys' season isn't done just yet

Shaq revealed that he believes he would have been an NFL player if he didn't choose to go the basketball route. If he did, he likely would have loved to play for the Dallas Cowboys, since they have long been his favorite football team. Even though the team is struggling right now, Shaq isn't giving up hope - something he mentioned following a story about former Cowboys great Emmitt Smith.

"I remember one time, I was walking through the University of Florida, and a guy, a little guy, he had this big crazy cell phone and said, “Hey man, you coming to the game tomorrow?” I was like, “What game?” He’s like, “My name is Emmitt Smith. We’re about to beat the LSU Tigers.” I was like, “Oh, you’re talking crazy.” And that’s when me and Emmitt became friends. And I was already a Cowboys fan. So, a lot of great memories, a lot of favorite players. And yes, I’m still a Cowboys fan. And the season’s not done."

Shaq picks Anthony Edwards as his NBA MVP selection

Shaq then transitioned into talking about basketball. He was asked specifically about James and what he will bring to the Philadelphia 76ers.

"He adds a lot. He has a lot of knowledge. The ability to still get certain things done. He’s a very unselfish player. [People are] trying to compare him to Kobe and Mike, but he’s a little bit more like Magic with Kobe and Mike’s skills, whenever he decides to. But listen, he’s already broken all the records and set all the records. It’d be nice for him to get another championship. And with this roster, this is a no-excuse roster if everybody’s there."

O'Neal believes the 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Detroit Pistons have the best chances to win it all this season. And his pick for NBA MVP? Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards.