The Big Shaq: One of LA Lakers Greatest Centers

You've seen giants on the hardcourt pound and glide their way toward their team's victory, but nothing comes close to how one LA Lakers alumnus has wowed the team's fans. Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most memorable players in the history of the LA Lakers. Fans of his craft on court and off the court grabbed Lakers tickets for his games for a chance to see this gentle giant in person.

Early years

Born Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal on March 6, 1972 in Newark, New Jersey. His name means “little warrior” in Arabic and was given to him by his estranged biological father Joseph Toney. Shaq, as fans and friends know him, has been raised by his mother Lucille O'Neal and his stepfather Phillip Harrison. He spent part of his formative years in Germany where his stepfather was stationed. Shaquille played for his high school team, Robert G. Cole Junior-Senior High School and was eventually named as High School Player of the Year.

College years

After high school, Shaquille went to Louisiana State University and majored in business. He also played for the varsity team and exhibited prowess on the hardcourt, leading the LSU team to great heights. Shaq was named “Player of the Year” in 1991 in the NCAA and is recognized as having made the most number of blocks in NCAA history, when he battled it out with Mississippi State University's team. Things were looking up for Shaq when he was invited to play for the big leagues. He had to quit his studies when he made the decision to play in the NBA.

Going major league

Orlando Magic

Long before his games sold out countless Lakers tickets, Shaquille O'Neal started out in a different team. In 1992, Shaquille O' Neal formally gained entry to the big leagues by playing with Orlando Magic. His presence was undoubtedly an improvement for the team's performance. Shaq was the lucky charm that led to the team's winning of 20 games during his rookie season. At 7'1”, Shaq was known for his forceful dunks.Season '95-'96 then saw Shaquille incurring injuries to the abdomen, and so he was not able to play for the 28 games. Instead he kept himself busy by recording his own rap album and going back to school to earn his bachelor's degree. In 1996, Shaq participated in the Olympics held in Atlanta, Georgia and has helped the US earn gold medal for men's basketball for that year.

LA Lakers

After season '95-'96, Shaquille O' Neal took an offer and joined the Los Angeles Lakers, along with a generally rookie set of players. He had always wanted to play with the Lakers and despite being given an offer from Orlando that was bigger than the Lakers' offer of $120 million in seven years, Shaq opted to start anew with the Lakers. Though the first few seasons were off for Shaquille when he suffered an injury, the Lakers became a force to be reckoned with when Shaq teamed up with an up and coming teen wonder, Kobe Bryant. Their tandem eventually led the Lakers to yet another victorious reign over the NBA, with championships and MVP awards in those years. Despite sales of LA Lakers tickets reaching great heights, the end of Shaq's contract with the Laker's loomed near. Though he was given an extension, Shaw refused to continue with the Lakers anymore and requested for a trade-off. He was then traded to Miami Heat, which he brought to championship during his stay. He is currently playing for the Phoenix Suns.

Rate Article

Related Videos
Play Video Larry Bird vs. Magic Johnson - Classic Basketball Rivalries	Play Video Magic Johnson Biography	Play Video Learn About Earvin Magic Johnson	Play Video Kobe Bryant Mentu Training - Parachute Sprints	Play Video Lew Alcindor - Greatest Basketball Players

Listed below are more articles related to the above article from the "Basketball" article category.

People interested in the above article "The Big Shaq: One of LA Lakers Greatest Centers" are also interested in the related articles listed below:

 

All About Coaching Basketball

Every baseball coach's desire and goal is to make sure that the players step up to plate and take their best swing. If you are focused on coaching baseball, and want to make sure that everyone benefits from what you are teaching, you may also be looking into tips and tricks to be more effective.

Wheelchair Basketball Rules vs. Regular Basketball Rules

Wheelchair sports are becoming more and more popular every year. Being confined to a wheelchair no longer inhibits an individual’s ability to participate in recreational activities. Much like normal sports leagues, there are different levels of competitiveness for wheelchair sports enthusiasts.

The LA Lakers in the 2008-09 NBA Season

The LA Lakers are one of the top contenders in the 2008-09 NBA season. Thousands of people have bought LA Lakers tickets just to see this powerhouse team battle their way into the 2009 Playoffs. No matter where the Lakers play, they play for a packed arena of NBA fans.

Stealing The Ball With Defense In Basketball

As important as playing on your side of the court is having the ability to play on the opponent's side of the court. Making sure that the defense is strong on your basketball team can help to stop the other team from making baskets and from having an easy game. When you are building up your basketball skills, you don't want to leave the defensive skills out of the court.

Shoot The Ball And Score

Your team has the dribble down and they know how to work with the team. However much your team knows, it won't be the same if they don't know the basics of shooting the basketball in order to make the score. If you want to make sure that your team can finish what they started with the game that they are playing, then understanding the basics to shooting the ball can help them score.

How To Play Offense

The world of basketball is not only measured by the capabilities of the players, but also by the rules that are integral to making the game. If you are building a basketball team, you will want to make sure that they understand what all of the divisions in the game mean. This will give them the ability to work more effectively while they are playing, and move more accurately throughout the court.

Going To The Rim In Basketball

Playing a good game of basketball isn't necessarily something that you can do by yourself. Instead, you will need to have a good amount of teamwork going on in order to get to the goal of winning. One of the most important parts of keeping the teamwork going and getting past the opponents is making sure that you are able to pass the basketball straight into the hoop.