Behind-the-scenes photos, video of Shaq as beloved entertainer
Twelve seasons in the NBA. Three titles, three Finals MVP's, one regular-season MVP, 11 All-Star selections, 21,914 career points, 9,781 career rebounds, et cetera, et cetera ... Life on the court has been very productive for Shaquille O'Neal. But his hardwood achievements only tell half the story. Shaq is also beloved for his larger-than-life persona off the court. From entertaining thousands of fans at a championship parade to holding court with the media after a tough loss, O'Neal has grown into arguably the most popular player in the game. Using exclusive photos and video, NBA.com takes a closer look at why Shaq is the league's "Most Dominant Entertainer".
1993: Shaq goes for a dip during the Big Man Camp in Hawaii.
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
1995: Shaq has always been beloved by his fellow players, even those who kept him from earning his first title.
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
2000: Shaq and Kobe's relationship hasn't always been as strained as reported. From giving Bryant a lift ...
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
2002: ... to donning his absent teammate's uniform in his honor ...
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
2002: ... to hanging out with Kobe at the White House, this "duo for the ages" had their ups, as well as their downs, as teammates in L.A.
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
2003: Shaq's benevolence is also well documented. Here he shops for some toys for kids in the community.
(Catherine Steenkeste/NBAE/Getty Images)
2001: While in L.A., Shaq also served as the ultimate celebrity ambassador for the Lakers. Here, he hangs out with actor David Duchovny ... during the fourth quarter of a playoff game.
(Donald Miralle/Getty/NBAE Images)
2004: Here, he shows some love for Cedric the Entertainer.
(Catherine Steenkeste/NBAE/Getty Images)
2003: Here, he dwarfs 14-year-old soccer star Freddy Adu.
(Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images)
2004: And in this photo, Shaq is matched pound-for-pound by heavyweight singer, Ruben Studdard.
(Mark Mainz/Getty/NBAE Images)
SUPERMAN IN ACTION:
The Big Retrospective: This extended video takes a look back at some of the funniest moments over Shaq's career. Watch:56k |
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Cheers, Shaq: An instant classic of Shaq belting out an improv tune on the team bus. Dedicated to Vlade and the Kings. Watch:56k |
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