27 Years After Filling $121,000,000 in Shaquille O’Neal’s Pockets, Lakers Icon Admits Humiliating Treatment of 76ers Legend

Published 06/16/2023, 8:15 AM EDT

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In the NBA, few players possess superhuman dominance that shakes the court to its foundation. One such legend is the towering force of Shaquille O’Neal, who was an indomitable force on the hardwood. Shaq’s enigma, however, shines through his off-court persona too. Recently, NBA icon Jerry West shed light on Shaq’s astonishing reign, delving into the fascinating tale of his dominance over anyone who was, unfortunately, guarding him.

As we dive into West’s revelations, we uncover the remarkable journey of Shaq’s dominance. 27 years ago, the 1992 Draft pick had just entered the league with a groundbreaking contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, one that filled the rookie’s pockets with a staggering $121 million.

Unmatched dominance of Shaquille O’Neal

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Jerry West, the revered Lakers icon, recently opened up about Shaquille O’Neal’s incomparable dominance during an episode of the Podcast P with Paul George. West’s insights offered a captivating glimpse into the sheer power and skill that made Shaq a force to be reckoned with. Talking about his playing style, West said, “I don’t care who you were he was going to embarrass your ass okay you couldn’t do anything with it he’s just too big“.

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While reflecting on Shaq’s reign, West highlighted a particular encounter that showcased the 7-footer’s overwhelming might, a confrontation with the formidable Dikembe Mutombo of the Philadelphia 76ers. In this intriguing tale, West recounted an incident where Mutombo, known for his defensive prowess, attempted to thwart Shaq’s offensive onslaught. The towering Shaq, however, proved an unstoppable force, relentlessly overpowering Mutombo with his sheer strength and agility.

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He added, “I remember the Lakers were playing um Philadelphia and I’m watching Mutombo they named it defensive player of the year I guess you have about four pictures of my house here’s Mutombo, okay that’s how hard this guy dunks the darn ball, you got one of those you put up in your house you wouldn’t, you’d take it down, Dad what’s that guy doing to you he’s beating you up“. West’s account vividly captures Shaq’s dominance on the court, leaving even the most formidable opponents helpless in his wake. He also proved his dominance and unfiltered persona off the court too.

The monumental Lakers deal

While Big Diesel’s dominance remains a cornerstone in basketball history, another significant aspect of his career was his groundbreaking signing with the Los Angeles Lakers. Jerry West, the architect behind this pivotal move, shared his thoughts on the memorable deal that shook the NBA landscape over 27 years ago.

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In a stunning revelation, West admitted to offering Shaq a monumental contract worth a jaw-dropping $121 million. The magnitude of this deal was a testament to O’Neal’s extraordinary abilities and immense potential. It is evident that West’s bold move shaped the Lakers’ future and solidified Shaq’s status as a basketball icon.

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West’s revelations regarding Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance and the monumental Lakers signing offer a captivating glimpse into a bygone era of basketball. The tale of Shaq overpowering Dikembe Mutombo showcases the sheer on-court dominance that made O’Neal an unstoppable force. Meanwhile, West’s reflections on the Lakers deal underscore Shaq’s monumental impact on the league, forever etching his name in the annals of basketball history.

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Written by:

Yusuf Khan

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Yusuf is an NBA content writer at EssentiallySports. Yusuf has been an NBA fanatic since his childhood days. NBA experts such as Chris Haynes and Shams Charania are his go-to sources to stay updated about all the inside scoops from the hoop world.
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Edited by:

Jayant Chhabra