“You’re Trippin”: Los Angeles Lakers Star Makes a Strong Statement Praising Shaquille O’Neal

Los Angeles Lakers center Dwight Howard felt Shaquille O’Neal was an unstoppable force in his prime. Given the kind of player that O’Neal was, very few would disagree with Howard. The 7′ 1″ center is undoubtedly one of the best to play in the NBA.

Shaq came into the NBA in 1992, when the Orlando Magic drafted him with the first overall pick. It didn’t take him long to earn stardom. He led the Magic to the 1995 NBA finals, where they lost to Hakeem Olajuwon’s Houston Rockets.

“If you don’t go with Shaq you’re trippin,” Howard said in an interview with Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson.

When Shaquille O’Neal apparently cheated in the 2001 NBA finals

O’Neal moved to Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 which perhaps started the best phase of his career. He formed an enviable partnership with Kobe Bryant at the Lakers. The duo led the team to three consecutive championships in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Shaq was the Finals MVP in each of the three titles.

Recalling the 2001 finals against Philadelphia 76ers, Howard felt O’Neal was so good that it was almost as if he was cheating. It was a series that Lakers won in five games. In the series, Shaq averaged an incredible 33 points per game on 57% shooting. He also had 15.8 rebounds and 3.4 blocks per game.

However, after a feud with Kobe Bryant, O’Neal moved to Miami Heat. He teamed up with Dwyane Wade in Miami to win another championship in 2006. He ended a legendary NBA career after short stints at Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics.

Howard has the chance to win a championship with Los Angeles Lakers

Howard, like O’Neal, was Orlando Magic’s first overall pick. He played for the Magic from 2004 to 2012. He is currently playing for the Lakers and perhaps has the best shot he has ever had at the NBA title. The Lakers were on top of the Western Conference prior to the league’s suspension with 49 wins. They are among the frontrunners this season to win the NBA title.