When one talks about centers in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal simply cannot be overlooked. Considered by many to be the greatest center ever, Shaq has won almost every title possible.
Shaq was known for the physicality he brought into the game. During his playing days, he stood seven-foot-one inches tall and weighed around 325 pounds.
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018634.SP.1101.lakers.AR The Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal(left) and Kobe Bryant prior to game against Utah at the Staples Center on 11/1/00. (Photo by Anacleto Rapping/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
In addition to that, O’Neal was fast as well. And this is the reason why a former Lakers small forward feels he is the greatest center ever. When asked about Shaq, Luke Walton was all praises for his former teammate.
Former Lakers player on why Shaquille O’Neal is the greatest center ever
Many players have played in the NBA who have used physicality in their game, but no one is as glorious as Shaquille O’Neal. He has won 4 NBA titles with the Los Angeles Lakers and the Miami Heat. His time in the Lakers is nothing less than legendary, he won the MVP award in the year 2000 and formed one of the fiercest duos ever.
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Head coach of the Los Angeles Lakers Phil Jackson (R) talks with Shaquille O’Neal (L) 05 June, 2001, during practice for the NBA Finals at the Staples Arena in Los Angeles. The Lakers will face the Philadelphia 76ers in game one starting 06 June, 2001. (Photo: JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)
Luke Walton played for the Los Angeles Lakers from 2003 to 2012. He said, “That’s what made him incredible in one sense the fact that he was the biggest, strongest man in the league, but he was fast.”
Walton added, “The fact he was that big and had that type of skill and understanding of the game makes him one of the greatest centers of all time. If he was just big, he wouldn’t have won the (number) of championships he won.”
With these comments, he gave a reply to everyone who thinks Shaq won all the awards in the NBA just because he is huge in stature.
How good was Shaq in the Lakers?
The Lakers have a rich history of having the best players in the league. Shaq played for the Lakers from 1996 to 2004 winning a three-peat. During his time in the Lakers, he formed a fierce pair with Kobe Bryant.
In 8 seasons with the Lakers, Shaq averaged 27.0 points, 3.1 assists, and 11.8 rebounds. He retired with an insane trophy cabinet, further proving the point of Walton that he did not succeed just because of his size. Shaq is a 15-time All-Star, 2-time Scoring Champ, the 1999-00 season MVP among a host of other awards.
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Is Shaquille O’Neal the greatest center according to you? Let us know in the comments below.
