Shaquille O’Neal reveals UNBELIEVABLE story of how Lakers convinced him to join team and end Michael Jordan and Bulls’ dominance 

The untold story of Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant's Lakers era after their 2000 championship.


Shaquille O’Neal reveals UNBELIEVABLE story of how Lakers convinced him to join team and end Michael Jordan and Bulls’ dominance 

Shaq and Kobe Bryant (Credits: Bleacher Report)

Shaquille O’Neal‘s transfer to the Los Angeles Lakers in 1996 marked a turning point in 1990s NBA history. His arrival had the remarkable effect of transforming the Orlando Magic, formerly an expansion team, into serious championship contenders in an incredibly short period. However, as O’Neal made the move to Los Angeles, the Magic’s fortunes declined while the Lakers quickly ascended to the top.

In a conversation with Heavy.com’s Brandon “Scoop” Robinson, O’Neal revealed that Jerry West’s straightforwardness played a pivotal role in his decision to leave Orlando for Los Angeles. West candidly laid out the facts during the transition, explaining that O’Neal would be part of a young team alongside an emerging star named Kobe Bryant, with the promise of future championships. Importantly, West refrained from making empty promises or extravagant claims, a quality that deeply resonated with O’Neal.

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Shaquille O’Neal’s acquisition by the Los Angeles Lakers was only one facet of Jerry West’s well-thought-out plan to revitalize the team. The other part involved securing the rights to an 18-year-old high school sensation, Kobe Bryant, during the 1996 NBA Draft. This strategic move was made by trading veteran center Vlade Divac on draft night to secure the opportunity to select Bryant.

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As West explained to O’Neal, it took a few years for Kobe Bryant to fully develop his basketball skills. Initially, Bryant served as a bench player during his first two NBA seasons before being promoted to a starting role in the 1998-99 season. The following year, the Lakers secured their first NBA championship in the post-Showtime era.

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Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant, and the legacy of Lakers’ post-2000 era

Following the 2000 championship victory, Jerry West retired from his role as executive vice president of basketball operations, marking the end of an illustrious four-decade journey that encompassed roles as a player, coach, and executive. Despite West’s departure, the Lakers continued to excel, winning championships in 2001 and 2002. However, the bustling city of Los Angeles eventually proved too small to contain the egos of both Shaq and Kobe.

Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant with their rings
Kobe and Shaq (Getty)

Kobe briefly contemplated leaving the Lakers during the 2004 free agency period. Meanwhile, O’Neal demanded a higher salary and even went as far as threatening Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss with departure. Buss took this personally, ultimately leading to Kobe receiving a substantial $136.4 million contract extension, while O’Neal was traded to the Miami Heat.

In Miami, O’Neal played a pivotal role in helping Dwyane Wade secure the first championship for the Miami Heat in 2006. On the other hand, Kobe persevered through challenging seasons in Los Angeles before achieving further success with championships in 2009 and 2010. Nonetheless, it’s intriguing to contemplate what might have transpired had they remained a dynamic duo. The absence of Jerry West in those pivotal moments leaves room for speculation about alternative outcomes.

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