A team with a great and unique history like the LA Lakers is usually faced with the problem of identifying who clearly should sit at the top of their list of best players of all time. What makes ranking more difficult for the Lakers is the fact that about seven of their legends have all won the championship on five different occasions.
However, selecting the best from players considered to be the goat of the game for a club like the Lakers can leave many surprised. As surprising as it could be, Shaquille O’Neal did accept his position in the Lakers’ team ranking.
Shaquille O’Neal graciously acknowledges place among Lakers legends
Shaquille O’Neal shared a picture recently on his Instagram page that shows the 10 greatest Los Angeles Lakers players of all time in franchise history. The list has the names of legendary players like Kobe Bryant, Magic Johnson, K. Abdul-Jabbar, and, Shaquille O’Neal the fourth position, Jerry West, Elgin Baylor, George Mikan, James Worthy, LeBron James, and Wilt Chamberlain.
Shaq captioned the post with a simple yet meaningful phrase: “Thanks, I’ll take it.” Shaq’s modest reply shows his humility and appreciation for the Lakers’ great history. He accepts his place among these legendary figures with style, regardless of being one of the most dominant figures to ever grace the court. He clearly cares deeply about the game and his team because he acknowledges the contributions made by those who came before him.
Shaq won three NBA championships with Lakers
Shaquille O’Neal played an eight-season run with the Lakers between 1996 and 2004. It was during these eight seasons that he attained a level of success that forever changed the team’s history. Shaq won three championships with the Lakers consecutively between the years 2000 and 2002. In 2004, he earned NBA Finals MVP honors for the championships he won.
His outstanding performance, which earned him three NBA Finals MVP awards, marked the pinnacle of these championship achievements. Shaq could also be ranked among the top three players in Orlando Magic history, according to many.
Shaq’s time with the Lakers was just like an opportunity he used to show the world his extraordinary talent and also his contributions to the team. His contributions to the Lakers have made him one of the greatest players in the history of the team. Lakers fans, especially, cannot forget these periods.
Certainly, Shaquille O’Neal’s presence and skill had an important impact on the Lakers’ championship victories throughout those illustrious years. What are your thoughts on Big Shaq’s time with the Lakers? Let us know in the comments section.
