SHAQ Joins Jerry West, Magic Johnson, Wilt Chamberlain & Kareem Abdul-Jabbar With Having Jersey No. Retired.
Last night during one of the Los Angeles Lakers biggest games of the season to keep their playoff hopes alive with a 20-point victory of the Dallas Mavericks, the franchise honored Shaquille O’Neal during half-time for a special jersey number retirement ceremony. Shaq’s “friend”, Kobe Bryant gave a few words of gratitude to the former big man which came off awkwardly right before Phil Jackson came out to cheers heard throughout the entire Staples Center and even in the Lakers locker-room with “WE WANT PHIL” chants.
Phil spoke briefly about the success the two had during the 2000’s with Jeanie Buss following up with discussing the same admiration Phil touched on before the jersey unveiling. Shaq would close out the ceremony speaking on his history with the Lakers team thanking his family, friends and fans leaving out inspiration to future ball players.
We here are blessed to have witnessed arguably the most dominate athlete in the history of sports being the most successful NBA player of the 2000’s winning 3 NBA Finals MVP’s and 4 Titles. Check after the jump to watch the full ceremony.
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