Shaquille O'Neal facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Shaquille O'Neal

O'Neal in 2023
Personal information
Born	(1972-03-06) March 6, 1972 (age 53) Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
High school	Fulda American (Fulda, Germany) Robert G. Cole (San Antonio, Texas)
Listed height	7 ft 1 in
Listed weight	325 lb
Career information
College	LSU (1989–1992)
NBA Draft	1992 / Round: 1 / Pick: 1st overall
Selected by the Orlando Magic
Pro career	1992–2011
Career history
1992–1996	Orlando Magic
1996–2004	Los Angeles Lakers
2004–2008	Miami Heat
2008–2009	Phoenix Suns
2009–2010	Cleveland Cavaliers
2010–2011	Boston Celtics
Career highlights and awards
4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006) 3× NBA Finals MVP (2000–2002) NBA Most Valuable Player (2000) 15× NBA All-Star (1993–1998, 2000–2007, 2009) 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000, 2004, 2009) 8× All-NBA First Team (1998, 2000–2006) 2× All-NBA Second Team (1995, 1999) 4× All-NBA Third Team (1994, 1996, 1997, 2009) 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (2000, 2001, 2003) NBA Rookie of the Year (1993) NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993) 2× NBA scoring champion (1995, 2000) NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th) No. 34 retired by Los Angeles Lakers No. 32 retired by Miami Heat No. 32 retired by Orlando Magic Associated Press Player of the Year (1991) UPI Player of the Year (1991) Adolph Rupp Trophy (1991) 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1991, 1992) NCAA rebounding leader (1991) NCAA blocks leader (1992) 2× SEC Male Athlete of the Year (1991, 1992) 2× SEC Player of the Year (1991, 1992) 3× First-team All-SEC (1990, 1991, 1992) No. 33 retired by LSU Tigers FIBA World Championship MVP (1994) USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year (1994) McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (1989) First-team Parade All-American (1989) Texas Mr. Basketball (1989)
Career statistics
Points	28,596 (23.7 ppg)
Rebounds	13,099 (10.9 rpg)
Blocks	2,732 (2.3 bpg)
Medals Men's basketball Representing the  United States Olympic Games Gold 1996 Atlanta Team competition FIBA World Championship Gold 1994 Toronto Team competition

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal (born March 6, 1972), often called Shaq, is a famous American former professional basketball player. He is also a sports analyst on the TV show Inside the NBA. Standing 7 feet 1 inch tall and weighing 325 pounds, he played as a center for six different teams during his 19-year career in the National Basketball Association (NBA). Shaq is a four-time NBA champion and is considered one of the greatest basketball players of all time.

After playing college basketball for the LSU Tigers, O'Neal was the very first player chosen in the 1992 NBA draft by the Orlando Magic. He quickly became one of the best centers in the league. He won NBA Rookie of the Year in his first season (1992–93) and led his team to the 1995 NBA Finals. After four years with the Magic, O'Neal joined the Los Angeles Lakers. There, he helped them win three championships in a row from 2000 to 2002. Later, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004, where he won his fourth NBA championship in 2006. He also played for the Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics before retiring in 2011.

Shaquille O'Neal has many individual awards. These include the 1999–2000 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, the 1992–93 NBA Rookie of the Year award, and 15 All-Star Game selections. He also won three All-Star Game MVP awards and three Finals MVP awards. He led the league in scoring twice. O'Neal is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP awards in the same year (2000). He is ranked among the top players in NBA history for points, rebounds, and blocks. He was named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team in 1996 and the NBA 75th Anniversary Team in 2021. Shaq was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016 and the FIBA Hall of Fame in 2017.

Besides basketball, O'Neal has released four rap albums, with his first, Shaq Diesel, selling over a million copies. He is also an electronic music producer and DJ, known as Diesel. He has appeared in many movies and had his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs.. He hosts The Big Podcast with Shaq. He was also a part-owner of the Sacramento Kings basketball team for a while.

Early Life and School Years

O'Neal playing for Cole High School varsity basketball team in San Antonio, Texas, in 1989

Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey. His mother was Lucille O'Neal, and his stepfather was Phillip Arthur Harrison, an Army sergeant. Shaq grew up in a tall family. His mother was 6 feet 2 inches tall. By the time he was 13, Shaq was already 6 feet 6 inches tall!

He said the Boys & Girls Clubs of America in Newark helped him by giving him a safe place to play basketball. Because his stepfather was in the military, his family moved a lot, including to military bases in Germany and Texas.

After returning from Germany, Shaq's family settled in San Antonio, Texas. By age 16, he had grown to 6 feet 10 inches and started playing basketball at Robert G. Cole High School. He led his team to an amazing 68–1 record over two years. He also helped them win the state championship in his senior year. His high school retired his jersey number 33 in 2014.

College Basketball Career

After high school in 1989, O'Neal went to Louisiana State University (LSU) to study business. He played for the Tigers under coach Dale Brown. While at LSU, Shaq was named an All-American twice. He was also named the SEC Player of the Year twice. In 1991, he won the Adolph Rupp Trophy as the NCAA men's basketball player of the year.

Shaq left LSU early to start his NBA career. However, he kept studying even after becoming a professional player. He was later added to the LSU Hall of Fame. There is a large bronze statue of O'Neal in front of the LSU Basketball Practice Facility.

Professional Basketball Journey

Orlando Magic: Rookie to Finals Star (1992–1996)

The Orlando Magic chose O'Neal as the very first pick in the 1992 NBA draft. He wore number 32, which was the first number he ever wore when he started playing basketball.

In his first season (1992–93), O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year. He was the first rookie since Michael Jordan in 1985 to be voted an All-Star starter. The Magic team improved a lot with him, winning 20 more games than the season before.

In his second season (1993–94), O'Neal scored even more points, averaging 29.4 points per game. He also led the NBA in field goal percentage. He made his first triple-double (getting double-digits in three stats) with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks against the New Jersey Nets. With new teammate Penny Hardaway, the Magic made it to the 1994 NBA Playoffs for the first time.

In his third season (1994–95), O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with 29.3 points per game. He and Hardaway became one of the best duos in the league. The Magic reached the 1995 NBA Finals, but they lost to the Houston Rockets.

Shaq was injured for many games in the 1995–96 season. Even with his injuries, the Magic had a great record of 60–22. They made it to the Eastern Conference finals but were swept by Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls.

Los Angeles Lakers: Three Championships (1996–2004)

O'Neal with the Los Angeles Lakers from 1996 to 2004. He won three championships with them.

After the 1995–96 season, O'Neal joined the Los Angeles Lakers. He also won a gold medal with the United States Olympic basketball team at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta. With the Lakers, he changed his jersey number to 34.

In his first season with the Lakers (1996–97), O'Neal averaged 26.2 points and 12.5 rebounds. The Lakers made the playoffs but were eliminated in the second round. The next season, O'Neal continued to play well, leading the league in field goal percentage.

When Phil Jackson became the Lakers' head coach in 1999, things changed for the team. Jackson challenged O'Neal to be even better. On his 28th birthday in 2000, O'Neal scored a career-high 61 points against the Los Angeles Clippers.

O'Neal was named the 1999–2000 regular season Most Valuable Player. He also won the scoring title that year. With coach Jackson's help, O'Neal and young superstar Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to win three championships in a row (2000, 2001, and 2002). O'Neal was named the MVP of the NBA Finals all three times.

Shaq missed the first 12 games of the 2002–03 season due to toe surgery. The Lakers struggled that season and did not reach the Finals. For the 2003–04 season, the Lakers added stars Karl Malone and Gary Payton. However, there was growing tension between O'Neal and Kobe Bryant. After losing in the 2004 NBA Finals, O'Neal asked to be traded.

Miami Heat: Another Championship (2004–2008)

O'Neal with the Miami Heat in February 2007

On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat. He went back to wearing number 32. Shaq promised fans he would bring a championship to Miami. He teamed up with rising star Dwyane Wade, whom he nicknamed "Flash." The Heat had a great season in 2004–05, winning 59 games. O'Neal was almost named MVP again, finishing second in voting.

In the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed many games. When he returned, Pat Riley took over as head coach. Riley managed O'Neal's playing time to keep him healthy for the playoffs. Shaq said, "Stats don't matter. I care about winning, not stats."

O'Neal holding the championship ball when the NBA champion Miami Heat team visited the White House in February 2007

On April 11, 2006, O'Neal got his second career triple-double with 15 points, 11 rebounds, and a career-high 10 assists. He also led the league in field goal percentage. In the 2006 NBA Playoffs, the Heat, led by Wade and O'Neal, made it to the 2006 NBA Finals. They faced the Dallas Mavericks and won the series in six games, giving the Heat their first NBA title and O'Neal his fourth championship.

In the 2006–07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games due to knee surgery. The Heat struggled, and in the playoffs, they were swept by the Chicago Bulls. This was the first time in 13 years that O'Neal did not make it past the first round.

Phoenix Suns: All-Star Return (2008–2009)

O'Neal with teammate Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns in January 2009

The Phoenix Suns got O'Neal in February 2008. He played well, averaging 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds in 28 games. The Suns made the playoffs but lost to the San Antonio Spurs.

The 2008–09 season was better for O'Neal. He averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds. He returned to the All-Star Game in 2009 and was named co-MVP along with his former teammate Kobe Bryant. On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points, his 49th career game with 40 or more points. This was the first time since his rookie season that O'Neal's team did not make the playoffs.

Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010)

On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers. When he arrived, O'Neal said his goal was simple: "Win a Ring for the King," referring to LeBron James, who was the team's leader. On February 25, 2010, O'Neal hurt his right thumb and needed surgery. He returned for the 2010 NBA Playoffs, but the Cavaliers lost in the second round.

Boston Celtics and Retirement (2010–2011)

O'Neal with the Boston Celtics in October 2010

On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics signed O'Neal for two years. He chose the number 36. O'Neal missed many games during the season due to various leg injuries. He played only a few minutes in two playoff games before the Celtics were eliminated.

On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement from basketball on social media. He held a press conference two days later to officially announce it. He said, "Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much."

National Team Career

Shaquille O'Neal played for the United States national basketball team. In the 1994 FIBA World Championship, he was named the MVP of the tournament. He helped the "Dream Team II" win the gold medal with a perfect 8–0 record.

He also played for the "Dream Team III" at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. The team won another gold medal with an 8–0 record. After 1996, he decided not to play in international competitions anymore.

Shaq's Playing Style

O'Neal's free throw shooting was one of his main weaknesses.

Shaquille O'Neal is widely seen as one of the greatest and most dominant players in basketball history. He averaged 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game in his career.

At 7 feet 1 inch tall and 330 pounds, his huge size gave him a big advantage over other players. Early in his career, his powerful dunks even broke the steel backboard supports twice! This led the league to make backboards stronger.

Shaq's special move was called the "Black Tornado." He would post up a defender, turn around, and use his strength to get close to the basket for a high-percentage dunk. He also used a right-handed jump hook shot. His ability to dunk helped him have a very high field goal accuracy of 58.2%, one of the best of all time. He led the NBA in field goal percentage 10 times, breaking Wilt Chamberlain's record.

Opposing teams often had to foul O'Neal a lot to stop him, which sometimes caused their own big players to get into foul trouble. This tactic was known as "Hack-a-Shaq."

One of O'Neal's main weaknesses was his free throw shooting. He only made about 52.7% of his free throws during his career. He once missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game in 2000, which was a record. Shaq believed his free throw problems were mental. He only made one three-point shot in his entire career.

O'Neal was also a good defender. His presence near the basket scared opposing players, and he averaged 2.3 blocked shots per game.

The Los Angeles Lakers retired his No. 34 jersey in 2013. The Miami Heat retired his No. 32 jersey in 2016. In 2024, the Orlando Magic also retired his No. 32 jersey. This made him one of only three players to have their number retired by three different NBA teams.

Life Off the Court

Media and Entertainment

O'Neal in 1998

O'Neal gave himself many nicknames, like "The Big Diesel," "Superman," and "The Big Shaqtus." He was known for his funny and sometimes fiery comments. He often joked around with reporters.

Shaq has appeared on TV shows like Saturday Night Live and hosted his own reality shows, Shaq's Big Challenge and Shaq Vs.. Since 2011, he has been a basketball analyst on Turner Network Television (TNT)'s NBA games, working with Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley.

Music Career

Shaquille O'Neal
O'Neal DJing at the All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game at Nationals Park in Washington, D.C., in July 2018
Background information
Also known as	DJ Diesel
Genres	Hip hop, electronic dance music
Occupation(s)	Rapper, DJ
Years active	1993–2001; 2017–present
Labels	Jive, Interscope, A&M, Trauma, Monstercat
Associated acts	Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz, DJ Kayslay, Nghtmre, Lil Jon

Shaquille O'Neal started making rap music in 1993. His first album, Shaq Diesel, sold over a million copies. He also appeared on Michael Jackson's 1995 album HIStory.

O'Neal also produces electronic dance music and performs as a DJ around the world under the name DJ Diesel. He released his first album as DJ Diesel, Gorilla Warfare, in August 2023.

Education and Learning

Shaq left LSU early for the NBA, but he promised his mother he would finish his degree. He kept that promise in 2000, earning his bachelor's degree from LSU. He even missed a home game to attend his graduation!

Later, he earned an online Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in 2005. He also earned a Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) degree in 2012 from Barry University. He has also studied directing and cinematography.

Law Enforcement Interest

O'Neal has always been interested in police work. He became a reserve officer with the Los Angeles Port Police. In 2005, he became an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal and a spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation, which helps track down criminals who harm children online.

He also trained to become a reserve officer for the Miami Beach police. In 2015, he was sworn in as a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force. In 2016, he became a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia.

Acting Roles

Shaq has appeared in several movies, including Blue Chips and Kazaam. He was one of the first African Americans to play a major comic book superhero in a movie, starring as Steel in the 1997 film Steel.

He has also had cameo roles in movies like Scary Movie 4 and Grown Ups 2. He voiced animated versions of himself in shows like Static Shock and The Lego Movie.

Video Games

O'Neal has been on the covers of many basketball video games, including NBA Live 96 and NBA 2K6. He also starred in his own fighting game called Shaq Fu in 1994, and a sequel, Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, was released in 2018. In 2024, O'Neal even appeared as a player skin in Fortnite.

Business Ventures

Shaq is a smart businessman. He has invested in many companies, including Google. He also owns many franchise businesses, like Krispy Kreme donut shops, Five Guys restaurants, and Auntie Anne's pretzel shops. He also owns a movie theater and car washes.

In 2013, O'Neal became a part-owner of the Sacramento Kings basketball team, but he sold his share in 2022. In 2019, he joined the board of directors for Papa John's pizza.

In October 2023, O'Neal was named Reebok's president of Basketball. In September 2024, he launched his own line of oversized gummy candies called Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies.

Personal Life

O'Neal at the 2009 NBA All-Star Game in Phoenix, Arizona

Shaquille O'Neal was raised by a Baptist mother and a Muslim stepfather. He has said he learned about both religions.

He married Shaunie Nelson in 2002. They had four children together. Shaunie also had a son whom O'Neal adopted. O'Neal also has a daughter from a previous relationship. The couple later divorced in 2011.

His son, Shareef, also plays basketball and played in college for the UCLA Bruins and LSU. In November 2023, his daughter, Me'Arah, committed to play for the Florida Gators.

O'Neal in May 2011

Shaq is a big fan of the National Hockey League's New Jersey Devils and the National Football League's Dallas Cowboys. He has also shown support for the English football club Northampton Town.

In 2016, O'Neal bought a large property in McDonough, Georgia, which he calls Shaq-Ingham Palace. In 2023, he bought his first private jet.

O'Neal has mentored Chicago Sky player Angel Reese, who also played for LSU. She has called him a father figure.

Career Statistics

NBA

Regular Season

Playoffs

College

Awards and Honors

O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers with President George W. Bush at a White House January 2002 ceremony commemorating the team's 2001 NBA Championship

NBA

• 4× NBA champion (2000–2002, 2006)
• 3× NBA Finals MVP (2000–2002)
• NBA Most Valuable Player (2000)
• 15× NBA All-Star (1993–1998, 2000–2007, 2009)
• 3× NBA All-Star Game MVP (2000, 2004, 2009)
• 8× All-NBA First Team (1997, 1999–2005)
• 2× All-NBA Second Team (1994, 1998)
• 4× All-NBA Third Team (1993, 1995, 1996, 2008)
• 3× NBA All-Defensive Second Team (1999, 2000, 2002)
• NBA Rookie of the Year (1993)
• NBA All-Rookie First Team (1993)
• 2× NBA scoring champion (1995, 2000)
• 12× NBA Player of the Month
• 20× NBA Player of the Week
• 4× NBA Rookie of the Month
• NBA anniversary team (50th, 75th)
• No. 34 retired by Los Angeles Lakers
• No. 32 retired by Miami Heat
• No. 32 retired by Orlando Magic
• Statue of Shaquille O'Neal outside Crypto.com Arena

USA Basketball

• 1996 Olympic Gold Medal
• 1994 FIBA Basketball World Cup Gold Medal
• 1994 FIBA World Cup MVP
• 1994 USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year

NCAA

• 1990–1991 SEC Regular Season Co-Champion
• Associated Press Player of the Year (1991)
• UPI Player of the Year (1991)
• Adolph Rupp Trophy (1991)
• 2× Consensus first-team All-American (1991, 1992)
• NCAA rebounding leader (1991)
• NCAA blocks leader (1992)
• 2× SEC Male Athlete of the Year (1991, 1992)
• 2× SEC Player of the Year (1991, 1992)
• 3× First-team All-SEC (1990, 1991, 1992)
• LSU All-Century Team (2009)
• No. 33 retired by LSU Tigers
• Statue of Shaquille O'Neal outside the LSU Basketball Practice Facility

High School

• McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP (1989)
• First-team Parade All-American (1989)
• Texas Mr. Basketball (1989)

Media

• ESPN American Athlete of the Year (1995)
• 2× Sporting News NBA MVP (2000, 2005)
• Sporting News Rookie of the Year (1993)
• BET Sportsman of the Year (2005)
• ESPY Awards
  • 2× Best NBA Player (2001, 2002)

Halls of Fame

• Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame – Class of 2016
• National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame – Class of 2014
• FIBA Hall of Fame – Class of 2017
• Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2013
• LSU Athletic Hall of Fame – Class of 2000
• San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame – Class of 2016

Discography

O'Neal performing at the 2023 Toyota/Save Mart 350 in Sonoma, California

Studio Albums

• Shaq Diesel (1993)
• Shaq Fu: Da Return (1994)
• You Can't Stop the Reign (1996)
• Respect (1998)
• Gorilla Warfare (as Diesel) (2023)

Filmography

Music Videos

Television Appearances

Awards and Nominations

Video Game Appearances

Images for kids

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  O'Neal (left) facing Big Show during the Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32 in Arlington, Texas, in April 2016

See also

In Spanish: Shaquille O'Neal para niños