Shaquille O'Neal

Player Snapshot

One of the most physically dominant players in NBA history, Shaquille O'Neal built his career around overwhelming size, strength and power in the paint. From his arrival with Orlando to his championship years with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaq became one of basketball's defining superstars of the 1990s and 2000s.

His game was simple in concept but nearly impossible to stop. Establish position, get the ball inside and let his combination of size and power take over.

Career Notes

Selected No. 1 overall by the Orlando Magic in 1992, O'Neal played center throughout his career and developed from Orlando's dominant young star into the centerpiece of the Lakers dynasty. He won three consecutive NBA championships from 2000–2002 and captured the NBA Finals MVP award in each of those seasons.

His career championship-round averages referenced on the cards were 28.8 PPG and 13.1 RPG. Known for dominating around the basket and controlling the paint, Shaq was one of the most recognizable and popular players of his era, also establishing himself as a rapper, entertainer and crossover pop-culture personality.

Orlando Magic

From the moment O'Neal entered the league, the lane became his territory. His combination of size, power and athleticism made opponents think twice about challenging him at the rim. His early Orlando years established the foundation for what would become one of the most dominant careers in NBA history.

Los Angeles Lakers

Shaq reached another level in Los Angeles. From 1999-00 through 2001-02, he helped the Lakers win three consecutive championships while capturing the NBA Finals MVP award each season. During that championship run, he recorded 49 playoff games with at least 20 points and 10 rebounds, illustrating just how consistently dominant he was when the stakes were highest.

Playing Style

Shaq's greatest advantage was also his simplest: once he established position near the basket, very few players had the size or strength to deal with him.