From Orlando to LA: Shaq’s Redemption

Shaquille O’Neal was born in 1972 and taken first overall by Orlando in 1992. As a rookie he showed terrifying dominance, soon leading the Magic to two Finals (even the 1995 Finals) yet never a ring — in 1995 they were swept by Houston, too raw to match prime Olajuwon.

In 1996 O’Neal signed with LA as a free agent for a bigger stage. Early on the Lakers were unfinished, falling short for years. Only with Jackson’s triangle did he find the key.

In the 2000 Finals his 38-point average fulfilled the dream, transforming "stat-monster" into "champion center." Every doubt vanished after that ring.

Some late titles taste sweeter than early ones. Shaq’s LA years were a long run of patience and redemption.

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• Shaquille O'Neal: Hard Work and Role Model— The Weight of a Giant, Carried by Himself
• 2000 NBA Finals MVP: Shaquille O'Neal (Los Angeles Lakers)