“That Diesel Tattoo Represents You Very Well”: Former Lakers Teammate Recalls Playing With Shaquillle O’Neal During 1999-00 NBA Season

“That Diesel Tattoo Represents You Very Well”: Former Lakers Teammate Recalls Playing With Shaquillle O’Neal During 1999-00 NBA Season

Shaquille O’Neal is regarded as one of the most dominant players in the history of the NBA. Shaq was drafted in 1992 by the Orlando Magic and turned the franchise around. But it wasn’t until he wore a Lakers jersey that he displayed his true dominance.

During his stint with the Lakers, he won several accolades, including a three-peat with Kobe Bryant. Although O’Neal regressed at an alarming rate after his stay with the Heat, he managed to win a championship with D-Wade as well.

In his 19 years long career, Shaq’s prime was undoubtedly the 1999-00 season. He averaged a career-high 29.7 points along with 13.6 rebounds and 3 blocks. Moreover, Shaq was only one vote away from becoming the first-ever unanimous MVP that season.

The best season of Shaquille O’Neal’s career in Lakers uniform

The 1999-00 season was special for the Lakers in several ways. Phil Jackson took the helm as the head coach. Kobe was showing signs of becoming a superstar in the league. And most importantly Shaq tore apart the league with his dominance.

Lakers were on a mission in this season after receiving a bitter defeat in the 1999 Western Conference finals by the Spurs. The most prominent part of that team was none other than the Diesel, Shaq.

In the recent episode of Knucklehead, Former NBA Champion Robert Horry said, “It was a special year. I know you guys know it, because the Staples Center had just been built, Phil Jackson was the new coach. Kobe and Shaq had just come off getting- you know, we had just shut down the forum. The Spurs had beat us.”

“Shaq had his shape. If you look at some of the pictures of Shaq, he even ripped a little, he got some little rips in his arms. And that’s the first time I said, now that Diesel tattoo represents you very well, ’cause you diesel up in this joint,” Horry added.

Horry was right about Shaq being in the absolute best shape of his life. Shaq helped the Los Angeles Lakers clinch three championships while playing under Phil Jackson.

Who knows if Shaq had maintained his shape he might have won a few more rings in his career.

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