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 > Lakers News > Shaquille O’Neal Leaves Lasting Legacy With Lakers and NBA
Lakers News

Shaquille O’Neal Leaves Lasting Legacy With Lakers and NBA

Daniel Buerge
Published: 06/01/2011
3 Min Read
SHARE

On a day that was supposed to focus around reactions to Game 1 of the NBA Finals one man stole the spotlight as he has so many times in his legendary career. Shaquille O’Neal announced via Twitter that he is retiring from the NBA after spending 19 years on the court. During his time in the league O’Neal played the role of entertainer as well as basketball star, and became a character that was larger than life.

With O’Neal’s illustrious career now at an end it’s only fair to look back at the impact he made on the league and the legacy he left. As the league transforms more and more into a league dominated by guards and wing players, it’s safe to say that O’Neal may go down in history as the last of the great big men. But his legacy is so much more than that.

There is no way to question O’Neal’s numerous accomplishments on the court. He won four NBA championships during his career, and is widely considered the most dominant big man in league history. But his attitude on the court wasn’t what made him one of the most lovable characters in sports. Whether he was bashing opposing players or coaches, or giving himself a new nickname, whenever O’Neal was in front of the microphone it was impossible not to listen.

As his career progressed he began to transition from basketball player to entertainer more and more. As is the case with any professional athlete, O’Neal’s production began to decline as he got older and his body could no longer take the beating it once could. But that never diminished his spirit, or his appearances in the All-Star Game. Despite declining numbers the fans regularly voted Shaq into the game because of the entertainment factor. And the big Aristotle never disappointed. Whether it was break dancing with the Jabbawockeez or dribbling between the legs in point guard fashion, O’Neal shined the brightest when all the lights were on him.

After 19 years in the league there is an entire generation of fans that will experience the NBA without O’Neal for the first time. Just as Phil Jackson’s retirement was before him, Shaq’s departure from the game signifies a changing of the guard. While there will always be other players that capture our attention with their spectacular moves and unbelievable accomplishments. But it’s safe to say there will never be another player quite like Shaquille O’Neal. And though it is a melancholy goodbye, there is no doubt that the NBA is better because of the big fella’.

Total
0
Shares
Share 0
Tweet 0
Pin it 0
Share 0
ByDaniel Buerge
Follow:
Daniel is the former Managing Editor of LakersNation. He has also written for SLAM, ESPN and other various publications. Follow Daniel on Twitter @danielbuergeLA
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?