Shaquille O’Neal is deeply rooted in Los Angeles Lakers folklore. Before his arrival, the Lakers, by then, had already had a history of impressive big men coming to their team, and Shaq was the newbie on that list. In a laundry list of players, 0ne of the earliest centers that dominated the league while playing for the Lakers was George Mikan.

Shaq considers Mikan to be one of the greatest players ever, who over the years has left a significant impact on the 4x champion’s life. So much so, that O’Neal, in an attempt to show kindness, paid for Mikan’s funeral. It all began when their paths crossed for the first time.

Shaquille O’Neal got emotional after meeting George Mikan

Back in 2009, Shaquille O’Neal talked about his first meeting with fellow Lakers icon, George Mikan. Shaq was playing for the Lakers at the time. And the 5x NBA champ was one of the greatest centers during his. He paved the way for talented centers to come to the league  and show that they can do way more than just rebound the ball.

During the interview, Shaq expressed his desire to become one of the best in the game, taking inspiration from other big men. He, however, was surprised when he first met Mikan, who talked to Shaq as if he were the legend among the two. Mikan then asked for Shaq’s autograph, and it surprised the big man.

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Shaq said, “Mr. Mikan, you want my autograph? I should be asking for your autograph“.

Further, Shaquille O’Neal expressed that Mikan called him the greatest big man ever. For someone who considered George  Mikan to be one of the finest, a compliment like that touched Shaq through and through.

George Mikan left a big impact on Shaq

When the Los Angeles Lakers announced that they were retiring George Mikan’s jersey number, Shaquille O’Neal gave his praises to Mikan. Shaq said that it is because of basketball greats like Mikan that the sport is where it is.

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Without Mikan coming to the NBA and dominating the paint with the way he played, the game would have likely evolved differently. Mikan left a major impact on Shaq’s life, and the big man still holds the compliment he received close to his heart.

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