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.