Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App

Download our Free Mobile App!
Faster with Fewer Ads

Get App
Lakers Nation
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • Lakers 2025 Preseason Schedule
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Search
  • Rumors
  • Schedule
    • 2024 preseason
    • 2024-2025 regular season
  • Videos
    • YouTube
    • Podcast
  • FAQ
  • About
    • About Lakers Nation
    • Terms of Service
    • Privacy Policy
  • Download Our App
Follow US
© 2024 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Lakers Nation > Blog > Featured > Mac McClung Appreciated Lakers Legend Shaquille O’Neal Wearing Jersey In Dunk Contest
FeaturedLakers News

Mac McClung Appreciated Lakers Legend Shaquille O’Neal Wearing Jersey In Dunk Contest

Daniel Starkand
Published: 02/18/2024
3 Min Read
Mac McClung, Shaquille O'Neal, Dunk Contest
Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
SHARE

Former Los Angeles Lakers and current Osceola Magic of the NBA G League guard Mac McClung has taken over the annual Slam Dunk Contest, winning it in each of the last two years.

McClung is known for his high fly abilities and that was on display in Indianapolis on Saturday night, notably jumping over Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal twice, including the winning dunk.

After winning it again, McClung showed appreciation to Shaq for helping him although he revealed that the final dunk was his backup plan and he actually had one that was even better.

“That was the backup option. The other one was a little better maybe. I won’t tell that one,” McClung said. “I know Chuck (Millan) is probably mad I didn’t use the other one. No, Shaq is so cool to put on my high school jersey. Makes me emotional that he did that. When he put it on, he said, You better not miss a dunk. And I was like, All right, I won’t miss it.”

O’Neal actually put on McClung’s high school jersey for the final dunk, which he really appreciated.

“What a cool guy to do that, man. What a great guy to do that for myself and my hometown,” McClung said of Shaq. “I think that just shows who he is now. Just really cool of him.”

McClung added that his parents actually made the Shaq-size jersey in preparation of this moment. “No, it was preparation. I told my parents the idea, and they hopped on it maybe five, six weeks ago.”

McClung’s dunk over O’Neal was the only perfect score that the judges handed out on the night, and it was much-needed in order to beat Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown.

Former #Lakers guard Mac McClung dunks over Shaq to beat Celtics All-Star Jaylen Brown in the Dunk Contest! ?

(via @NBA) pic.twitter.com/wHGQOizvMj

— Lakers Nation (@LakersNation) February 18, 2024

It is very fitting that a former Lakers guard in McClung and a Lakers legend in O’Neal teamed up to beat a Celtics star, and everyone seemed to be happy with the results considering Brown underwhelmed with his dunks and still got big scores.

Mac McClung going for three-peat in 2025?

Nate Robinson is the only player that has won the Dunk Contest three times in 2006, 2009 and 2010. No one has ever done it in three consecutive years though, and McClung might be the first.

“I think Nate Robinson did. Didn’t Nate Robinson win three times? I don’t know. We’ll think about it. I’m not sure yet. I’ll think about it,” McClung concluded.

Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in live shows, and more!

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
TAGGED:2024 NBA Slam Dunk ContestLos Angeles LakersMac McClungShaquille O'Neal
ByDaniel Starkand
Daniel Starkand is a graduate from Chapman University with a degree in journalism and broadcast journalism. He grew up in Burbank, Calif. and played baseball at Burbank High and his first two years at Chapman. Along with serving as the managing editor for LakersNation.com, Daniel also serves as a senior writer, editor and social media manager for DodgerBlue.com Contact: daniel@mediumlargela.com
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

Categories

  • News
  • Rumors
  • Games
  • History

Information

  • Advertise
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

Get breaking Lakers News direct to your inbox.

© 2025 Medium Large Sports Media, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?