NBA Update: Los Angeles Lakers to honour Shaquille O'Neal by retiring his jersey
Shaquille O’Neal announced his retirement late Wednesday and the declaration followed tributes from all over the NBA.
Shaq was a true great of the game. The burly centre dominated inside the paint like no player ever did. He had a storied career during which he won 4 NBA World Championships and bagged 3 NBA Finals MVP awards along the way. His
charisma and sense of humour made him a standout off the court and the heartthrob of millions. Shaquille even made forays into the movie and music industry, all the while improving the profile of the NBA. The giant has finally called it quits at the age of
39 and praise has started to come his way from all over the basketball world.
Taking the lead in honouring the player is the most successful team he ever played for, the Los Angeles Lakers. Shaq had a total of 8 very productive years with the Lakers, during which he won three consecutive NBA Championship
rings. Alongside Kobe Bryant, he formed the core of the team and was undoubtedly the most important player in Los Angeles’ title wining campaigns. He did leave the Lakers under a cloud, with reports of a bust up with Kobe Bryant and disagreements with owner
Jerry Buss over contract demands, but that didn’t seem to affect the gratitude, the franchise owed to the big centre.
The Lakers have announced that they will retire Shaquille’s no. 34 jersey as a show of respect to the player. A specific timeline has not been given but when it does happen, Shaq will join the likes of legendary players Kareem
Abdul-Jabbar and Wilt Chamberlain, as former Lakers who had their jersey’s retired by the franchise.
"We don't have any specific timetable on this, but you can be assured we will retire Shaq's jersey," said Lakers spokesman John Black. “As you know, players have to wait five years to be inducted into the Hall of Fame, but we could
possibly do a jersey retirement ceremony for Shaq prior to that."
Los Angeles Lakers owner Jerry Buss also thanked Shaquille for his service to the franchise through a press release. Buss reportedly did not see eye to eye with O’Neal during his time at the franchise but praised Shaq in no small
measure after his retirement.
"Shaq had a long and amazing career," Buss said. "His contributions were significant to the entire NBA, but we specifically appreciate what he did with and what he meant to the Lakers during his eight years with us. We have three
championships that we wouldn’t have won without him, and we will forever be grateful for his significant contributions to those teams."
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