Shaquille “Shaq” O’Neal to a younger generation is an on-air NBA personality, but in his day, he was one of the most dominating NBA players of all time. At a towering 7 ft 1 in and coming in at 325 pounds, for NBA defenders Shaq was a nightmare! Or better so he was a tank! In his 19- year career, he was a menace for the opposition and an ace in the hole for the team he played for.
Shaq was drafted by the Orlando Magic in 1992 and became famous for his towering presence and unique dunks that flattened opposing defenses. Still, it would be a while before O’Neal would win his first NBA championship. When he was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996, the idea was for him and future NBA great Kobe Bryant to become the tandem of the future.
Despite winning three titles in Los Angeles, Shaq and Kobe hadtheir personal issues and he was traded to the Miami Heat, where he won his fourth and last NBA championship. Let’s take a look at each of these titles and how O’Neal conquered them.
Shaq’s first NBA ring – 2000
The first of three championships with the Lakers, Shaq was nothing short of dominating in a 4-2 series against the Indiana Pacers. O’Neal averaged 38 points per game and hit for 43 and 40 points in Games 1 and 2 respectively. Shaq was named series MVP and it was the Lakers first championship in twelve seasons.
On the court, Shaq and Kobe were amazing, off they couldn’t stand each other. (Getty)
Shaq’s second NBA ring – 2001
One year later and the Lakers made short work of the Philadelphia 76ers. Shaq hit for 44 points in Game 1, he had 20 rebounds in Game 2, and averaged 33 points in the whole series. Despite losing Game 1 in overtime the Lakers beat the Sixers with relative ease. O’Neal was named MVP for the second year in a row.
Shaq’s third NBA ring – 2002
Once again, Shaq would dominate the stats of the NBA Finals, this timethe Lakers swept the New Jersey Nets 4-0, O’Neal had an average of 36 points, 12 rebounds per game, and 40 points in Game 2. As was the custom, Shaq won the MVP of the series, his third consecutive MVP to go along with his ring.
Three times in a row, Shaq won the NBA championship and NBA Finals MVP in 2000, 2001, and 2002. (Getty)
Shaq’s fourth NBA Ring – 2006
In what was the lowest production of his Finals career, Shaq did not win the MVP, and only averaged 13 points per game. Shaq had slowed down a step, but still manage to contribute, posting 10 rebounds per game. It was the only finals Shaq played where he was not the highest scorer in at least one of the games.
