The Los Angeles Lakers retired Shaquille O'Neal's jersey at halftime of Tuesday's game against the Dallas Mavericks.
Lakers retire Shaquille O’Neal’s No. 34
No. 34 is now the ninth number the Lakers have retired.
A video montage was played at halftime at the Staples Center, showing highlights of O'Neal's days with the Lakers. Then a pre-recorded message from Kobe Bryant aired, before Phil Jackson and Jeanie Buss spoke live on the court.
Then O’Neal, who is now purple, watched as his retired jersey was revealed.
O’Neal thanked, among others, Jack Nicholson, who is now old and waves like an old person, and “good friend Adam Sandler.” When O’Neal thanked Jackson, a chant of “We want Phil!” broke out in the arena.
O'Neal, No. 6 on the NBA's all-time scoring list, joins Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabaar among those honored in the rafters at the Staples Center. O'Neal spent eight seasons with the Lakers, winning three championships (and three NBA Finals MVPs) and the 2000 Most Valuable Player award.
It’s unclear if the Lakers were recognizing O’Neal for merely his work on the court, or if the retired jersey has anything to do with his truTV comedy series, Upload With Shaquille O’Neal.
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