On a night that is as historic as it is emotional, the NBA wasn’t done with its usual dose of surprises. While Shaquille O’Neal was getting ready to celebrate his jersey being retired by the Orlando Magic, the big fella had a surprise in store for everyone. Even though he was becoming the first player in the franchise’s history to achieve the honor, it wasn’t his first time.

Previously, Shaq had seen his jersey hanging from the rafters for the Los Angeles Lakers and his alma mater, LSU. However, according to him, the former had a rather peculiar reason behind it. “Out of all the ceremonies, this is the most exciting. Let me tell you why. At LSU, I knew it was going to happen. Because the dean, Joe Dean, said, ‘Hey, you’re one of our greatest players. If you come back and get your degree, we’re gonna hang your jersey.’ So, I knew it was going to happen.”

But, for his other pit stop, where he won 3 Championships and Finals MVPs in a row? “The Lakers, I kind of forced it to happen because I wanted my name up there.” However, there was a reason why he never expected the Orlando Magic to come calling to bestow this prestigious honor upon him.

“Orlando, me playing here for four years, going to the Finals, going to the Ring [of Honor] ceremony, that being it, and nobody else having their jersey retired. I never thought this day would happen. It means a lot, it’s a lot of great players…Grant Hill, Penny Hardaway, T-Mac [Tracy McGrady], D-Scott [Dennis Scott]. So, to be the first is definitely an honor,” admitted a humble Shaquille O’Neal.

 But, why would one of the greatest players in franchise history need to force his jersey retirement after achieving the Lakers’ only three-peat ever.

What happened between Shaquille O’Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers?

When it comes to NBA franchises, the Lakers are the gold standard. Due to their immense history and sustained excellence, the barometer for greatness is far different as compared to other NBA franchises. But Shaq, 3x NBA Champion, that too in consecutive years, another Finals appearance, and an MVP, certainly made his mark on the organization.

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Further, during his 8-year run with the team, the 7-footer would cement himself as inarguably the most dominant big man in the game at the time, and arguably of all time. But, an ugly breakup with Kobe Bryant playing a factor, the end wasn’t pretty. As a result, there was doubt for a few years about whether O’Neal would get the necessary respect and accolades his accomplishments demand.

Eventually, the two sides were able to mend fences, and one of the greatest players in the franchise’s illustrious history did find his name hanging alongside some of the game’s all-time greats. Perhaps, feeling the Magic honor was more organic is why an emotional Shaq would reveal what he wishes for on this day.

Why is Shaquille O’Neal Missing From NBA on TNT Today?