The zenith of his career came during his tenure with the Los Angeles Lakers, when he and Kobe Bryant formed one the greatest duos of all-time. Shaq gave Los Angeles three titles, and he brought glory back to the city. However, Shaq was also famous for his off-the-court acts and amiable character.
Now with the Big Diesel out of the NBA, its time to look back at the Top Ten Moments of his illustrious career.
Next: Number 10
Number 10
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_D70cPxYHb0
Shaquille O’Neal took advantage of living in Los Angeles by joining forces with Hollywood to produce the movie, “Kazaam.” Kazaam was a hit among fans, and children enjoyed watching the seven-foot giant show off his acting skills
Next: Number 9
Number 9
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH8u6FnQre4
Shaquille O’Neal was always a joker on the floor, and fans were in love with his delighting demeanor on the court. In the 2007 NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas, O’Neal showed Tracy McGrady his love with a nice, big kiss.
Next: Number 8
Number 8
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcGv6UIbCxo
When Shaquille O’Neal first entered the league, the young man dazzled the world with his strength and power. During a game with his first NBA team, the Orlando Magic, the big men brought down the basket after a monster dunk.
Next: Number 7
Number 7
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nuzx7-PjwEo
The Shaq-Los Angeles break-up was quite controversial, and the burden was put on Andrew Bynum to be the next dominating center for the team. However, O’Neal gave Bynum a little lesson during one of his first games versus the Lakers.
Next: Number 6
Number 6
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qkHGd2bOFHk
Although Shaq was seven foot and never known as the most athletic player on the court, he impressed the world with his dancing moves. O’Neal showed off his skills every where he went, but perhaps his best performance came during the All-Star Break.
Next: Number 5
Number 5
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O5xXFZC4JA4
Shaquille O’Neal is known by many names, and has a myriad of monikers. Even though most people receive nicknames through others, Shaq decided to give himself one, “The Big Aristotle.”
Next: Number 4
Number 4
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CWqPnEGzfK8
The Los Angeles Lakers and Sacramento Kings had a bitter rivalry during the early 2000s, and it was essentially Northern California versus Southern California. In this interview, Shaq told reporters exactly how he viewed the team up north.
Next: Number 3
Number 3
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_ikaIDz-Ck
The Los Angeles Lakers played the Portland Trail Blazers in the 2000 Western Conference Finals, but faced a 15-point deficit heading into the fourth quarter of Game 7. After an amazing comeback in the final period, Shaq and Kobe capped-off the game with an epic alley-oop dunk.
Next: Number 2
Number 2
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NjyelpOQ0Z8
Shaquille O’Neal was most remembered in Los Angeles for his three Finals MVPs. Shaq brought three titles to the city, and he was the leader on every single squad. The 2000, 2001 and 2002 Championship trophies were awarded to the Lakers thanks to the stellar play of O’Neal.
Next: Number 1
Number 1
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_1ciMXvSE8U
Although Shaq was a basketball player for the majority of his live, many considered him to be an entertainer. O’Neal celebrated like no other during championship parades, and his most memorable moment came atop a float.