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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 13: NBA legends, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal pose for a photo as part of NBA All-Star 2016 on February 13, 2016 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
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TORONTO, ON – FEBRUARY 13: NBA legends, Magic Johnson and Shaquille O’Neal pose for a photo as part of NBA All-Star 2016 on February 13, 2016 at the Air Canada Centre in Toronto, Ontario Canada. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Chris Marion/NBAE via Getty Images)
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is an inspiration to millions around the world. The same can be said about a fellow Laker, Shaquille O’Neal. Known for his incredible physicality, Shaq broke rims with ease. However, at the start of his basketball journey, he tried to copy Magic.
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In the recently released ‘Shaq‘ documentary, the life and career of the 7-foot-1 inches tall NBA legend are covered extensively. Talking about his childhood, O’Neal revealed an interesting fact. He regularly tried to play like Magic Johnson on the court which once led to a slap from his father.
Shaquille O’Neal was slapped by his father for copying Lakers legend
The showtime Lakers were the highlight of the 80s. Led by Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, the Los Angeles Lakers dominated the league for a long time. Naturally, many kids growing up during this time idolized the two legends.
Shaquille O’Neal was among the millions of fans who looked up to Magic Johnson growing up. Interestingly enough, he pulled off some signature Magic moves on the court.
During one of his high school games, Shaq was in a comfortable position after crossing a player. However, instead of just normally dunking the ball, he pulled off a fancy move.
The finger roll didn’t end well for Shaq as he missed the opportunity. O’Neal’s stepfather, Phillip Harrison immediately called for a timeout and slapped his son.
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Lakers Kobe Bryant bumps chests with Shaquille O’Neal after O’Neal got fouled scoring in the first half during the First Round of the Western Conference Playoffs at Staples Center Sunday April 21, 2002.Trailblazer Damon Stoudamire looks on from the left. Lakers won 9587. (Photo by Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Shaq said, “All of a sudden, I see this big black dude walking up the court in his fatigue, it’s my father, the Sarge. He said call the timeout. Yes sir.”
O’Neal added, “He said, “what you doing?” I said I’m just working on my Magic.. (Slapped). “F**k that!” Be Shaquille O’Neal, Dunk it every f**king time!”
Interestingly enough, this incident brought about a change in O’Neal. He went the extra mile every time a dunking opportunity arose.
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Subsequently, Shaq channeled his anger on the rims while dunking. As a result, players started to fear the dominance of the Big Diesel, which would help create his legend later on.
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Satagni Sikder