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* [[Adolph Rupp Trophy]] (1991)
* 2× Consensus first-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1991 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1991]], [[1992 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|1992]])
* 2× [[Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|SEC Player of the Year]] (1991, 1992)▼
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season blocks leaders|NCAA blocks leader]] (1992)▼
* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders|NCAA rebounding leader]] (1991)
▲* [[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season blocks leaders|NCAA blocks leader]] (1992)
* 2× [[SEC Male Athlete of the Year]] (1991, 1992)
▲* 2× [[Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|SEC Player of the Year]] (1991, 1992)
* No. 33 [[LSU Tigers men's basketball#Retired numbers|retired by LSU Tigers]]
* [[FIBA Basketball World Cup Most Valuable Player|FIBA World Championship MVP]] ([[1994 FIBA World Championship|1994]])
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{{MedalCompetition|[[Basketball at the Summer Olympics|Olympic Games]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[Basketball at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|1996 Atlanta]]|[[1996 United States men's Olympic basketball team|Team competition]]}}
{{MedalCompetition|[[FIBA World
{{MedalGold|[[1994 FIBA World Championship|1994 Toronto]]|Team competition}}
}}
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O'Neal was born on March 6, 1972, in [[Newark, New Jersey]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaquille O'Neal {{!}} Biography & Facts|url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaquille-ONeal|access-date=April 16, 2021|website=Encyclopædia Britannica|language=en|archive-date=April 29, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210429010709/https://www.britannica.com/biography/Shaquille-ONeal|url-status=live}}</ref> to Lucille O'Neal and Joe Toney, who played high school basketball (he was an All-State guard) and was offered a basketball scholarship to play at [[Seton Hall Pirates men's basketball|Seton Hall]]. Toney struggled with [[drug addiction]] and was imprisoned for drug possession when O'Neal was an infant. Upon his release, he did not resume a place in O'Neal's life and instead agreed to relinquish his parental rights to O'Neal's [[Jamaicans|Jamaican]] stepfather, Phillip Arthur Harrison, a career [[United States Army|Army]] sergeant.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wise |first=Mike |title=Shaq to biological father: 'I don't hate you' |url=https://andscape.com/features/shaq-to-biological-father-i-dont-hate-you/ |work=[[Andscape]] |access-date=July 16, 2022 |archive-date=July 2, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220702060821/https://andscape.com/features/shaq-to-biological-father-i-dont-hate-you/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="LAT Plaschke"/> O'Neal remained estranged from his biological father for decades; O'Neal had not spoken with Toney or expressed an interest in establishing a relationship.<ref name="LAT Plaschke">{{cite news|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-jun-11-sp-plaschke11-story.html|title='Biological Didn't Bother'|first=Bill|last=Plaschke|work=Los Angeles Times|date=June 12, 2002|access-date=January 21, 2011|archive-date=July 25, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100725204949/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/jun/11/sports/sp-plaschke11|url-status=live}}</ref> On his 1994 [[Hip hop music|rap]] album, ''Shaq Fu: The Return'', O'Neal voiced his feelings of disdain for Toney in the song "[[Biological Didn't Bother]]", dismissing him with the line "Phil is my father." However, O'Neal's feelings toward Toney mellowed in the years following Harrison's death in 2013, and the two met for the first time in March 2016, with O'Neal telling him, "I don't hate you. I had a good life. I had Phil."<ref>{{cite web |url=https://andscape.com/features/shaq-to-biological-father-i-dont-hate-you/ |title=Shaq to biological father: 'I don't hate you' |first=Mike |last=Wise |work=[[Andscape]] |publisher=ESPN |date=September 9, 2016 |access-date=September 10, 2016 |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417044213/https://andscape.com/features/shaq-to-biological-father-i-dont-hate-you/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
O'Neal came from a tall family. His father and mother were {{height|ft=6|in=1}} and {{height|ft=6|in=2}} tall, respectively, and by age 13, O'Neal was already {{height|ft=6|in=6}} tall.<ref name="recruit">{{cite
After returning from Germany, O'Neal's family settled in [[San Antonio]], Texas. By age 16, O'Neal had grown to {{height|ft=6|in=10}},<ref name= "recruit" /> and he began playing basketball at [[Robert G. Cole Junior-Senior High School|Robert G. Cole High School]]. He led his team to a 68–1 record over two years and helped the team win the state championship during his senior year.<ref name="key moments">{{cite web |title= Key Moments In Shaquille O'neal History |work= [[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]] |url= http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2004-07-11/sports/0407110264_1_lucille-o-neal-shaq-attack-shaquille-rashaun-o-neal |date= July 11, 2004 |access-date= January 2, 2011 |archive-date= June 14, 2012 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120614142912/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2004-07-11/sports/0407110264_1_lucille-o-neal-shaq-attack-shaquille-rashaun-o-neal }}</ref> His 791 rebounds during the 1989 season remains a state record for a player in any classification.<ref>{{cite book| first= Bill| last= McMurray| title= Bill McMurray's Texas High School All-Time Sports Record Book| edition= 6th| publisher= Four Star Publications}}</ref> O'Neal's ability to make [[hook shot]]s earned comparisons to [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]{{citation needed|date=June 2024}}, inspiring him to wear the same jersey number as Abdul-Jabbar, {{abbr|No.|Number}} 33. However, his high school team did not have a ''33'' jersey, so O'Neal chose to wear No. 32 before college.<ref name= number>{{cite news| url=
==College career==
After graduating from high school in 1989,<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.mysanantonio.com/entertainment/article/Shaquille-O-Neal-graduated-from-Cole-High-School-13842256.php|title=Shaquille O'Neal graduated from Cole High School 30 years ago|first=Ismael|last=Perez|newspaper=Mysa }}</ref> O'Neal studied business at [[Louisiana State University]] (LSU). He first met [[LSU Tigers basketball|Tigers]] coach [[Dale Brown (basketball)|Dale Brown]] years earlier in Europe when O'Neal's stepfather was stationed on a [[United States Army|U.S. Army]] base at [[Wildflecken]], West Germany.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Salaam |first1=Khalid |title=Shaquille O'Neal on His Mentor, the Police, and rapping with Biggie |url=https://www.esquire.com/sports/interviews/a34286/shaq-and-dale-espn/ |website=Esquire |date=April 10, 2015 |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> While playing for Brown at LSU, O'Neal was a two-time [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-America]]n, two-time [[Southeastern Conference|SEC]] [[Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year|Player of the Year]], and received the [[Adolph Rupp Trophy]] as [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] men's basketball player of the year in 1991; he was also named college player of the year by [[Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year|Associated Press]] and [[UPI College Basketball Player of the Year|UPI]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Wittry |first1=Andy |title=Shaquille O'Neal: College basketball stats, best moments, quotes |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2022-03-07/shaquille-oneal-college-basketball-stats-best-moments-quotes#:~:text=Led%20the%20country%20in%20rebounding,LSU's%20Maravich%20Center%20(53%20points) |website=NCAA |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> O'Neal left LSU early to pursue his NBA career, but [[#Education|continued his education]] even after becoming a professional player.<ref>{{cite news |title=O'Neal to get degree from LSU |newspaper=The Daily Texan |url=http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2000/12/12/Sports/Oneal.To.Get.Degree.From.Lsu-701598.shtml |date=December 12, 2000 |access-date=March 7, 2007|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080603142656/http://media.www.dailytexanonline.com/media/storage/paper410/news/2000/12/12/Sports/Oneal.To.Get.Degree.From.Lsu-701598.shtml|archive-date=June 3, 2008}}</ref> He was later inducted into the [[Louisiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame|LSU Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite web |website=barrystickets.com |date=2007 |title=O'Neal: LSU Hall of Fame |access-date=March 3, 2007 |url=http://www.barrystickets.com/lakers/lakers-players/shaquille-oneal.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210224144807/https://www.barrystickets.com/lakers/lakers-players/shaquille-oneal.php |archive-date=February 24, 2021}}</ref> A {{convert|900|lb|adj=on}} bronze statue of O'Neal is located in front of the [[LSU Basketball Practice Facility]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Athletic Department |url=http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=205015500 |title=LSU Basketball Practice Facility – LSUsports.net – The Official Web Site of LSU Tigers Athletics |website=LSUsports.net |access-date=February 23, 2016 |archive-date=February 10, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160210044841/http://www.lsusports.net/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=5200&ATCLID=205015500 }}</ref>
==Professional career==
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O'Neal became a [[free agent]] after the 1995–96 NBA season. In the summer of 1996, O'Neal was named to the [[Basketball at the 1996 Summer Olympics|United States Olympic basketball team]], and was later part of the gold medal-winning team at the [[1996 Summer Olympics|1996 Olympics]] in [[Atlanta]]. While the Olympic basketball team was training in Orlando, the ''[[Orlando Sentinel]]'' published a poll that asked whether the Magic should fire Hill if that were one of O'Neal's conditions for returning.<ref name=macmullan_19960701>{{cite news |last=MacMullan |first=Jackie |author-link=Jackie MacMullan |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1008323/index.htm |title=Poof! Shaquille O'Neal is among a host of NBA free agents who could vanish from their teams |quote=It asked whether the Magic should fire coach Brian Hill if that were one of O'Neal's conditions for returning. An overwhelming 82% answered no. |date=July 1, 1996 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100517075849/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1008323/index.htm |archive-date=May 17, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=wojnarowski>{{cite news |last=Wojnarowski |first=Adrian |author-link=Adrian Wojnarowski |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-shaqmagic060209 |title=Shaq's legacy binds Magic, Lakers |quote=The poll appeared as Shaq and the Olympic basketball team trained in town. |date=June 2, 2009 |work=Yahoo! Sports |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111210164254/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=aw-shaqmagic060209 |archive-date=December 10, 2011 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> 82% answered "no".<ref name=macmullan_19960701/> O'Neal had a power struggle while playing under Hill.<ref name=reilly>{{cite news |last=Reilly |first=Rick |author-link=Rick Reilly |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/features/shaq/flashback/shaqs_world/ |title=Shaq's world |quote=He hated the power struggle with his coach, Brian Hill. |date=April 21, 1997 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103144143/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/nba/features/shaq/flashback/shaqs_world/ |archive-date=November 3, 2012 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref name=blinebury>{{cite news |last=Blinebury |first=Fran |url=http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/01/shaq.leaving/index.html |title=Magic are proof that wounds from star's departure do heal |quote=There were occasional gripes at coach Brian Hill. |date=July 1, 2010 |work=NBA.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100809131150/http://www.nba.com/2010/news/07/01/shaq.leaving/index.html |archive-date=August 9, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 }}</ref> He said the team "just didn't respect [Hill]".<ref>{{cite book|last= O'Neal|first=Shaquille|title=Shaq Talks Back|publisher=[[St. Martin's Paperbacks]]|year=2002|isbn=978-0-312-98259-1|page=52|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cIXaWfTsc5YC&pg=PA52 |access-date= November 7, 2010|quote=We just didn't respect him. Sometimes he went from nice to hardcore and people were looking around, like, 'This ain't the guy we know.'}}</ref> Another question in the poll asked whether O'Neal was worth $115 million, in reference to the amount of the Magic's offer; 91.3% of the response said it was not.<ref name=wojnarowski/><ref name=reilly/> O'Neal's Olympic teammates teased him over the poll.<ref name=wojnarowski/><ref name=blinebury/> He was also upset that the Orlando media implied O'Neal was not a good role model for having a child with his longtime girlfriend with no immediate plans to marry.<ref name= macmullan_19960701/> O'Neal compared his lack of privacy in Orlando to "feeling like a big fish in a dried-up pond".<ref>{{cite book|last=O'Neal|first=Shaquille|title=Shaq Talks Back| publisher= St. Martin's Paperbacks |year= 2002|isbn=978-0-312-98259-1|page=151|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=cIXaWfTsc5YC&pg=PA151 |access-date= November 14, 2010|quote=When I was in Orlando, I really felt like a big fish in a small, dried-up pond. No matter what I did, it got talked about, until I couldn't really live my life.}}</ref> He also learned that Hardaway considered himself the leader of the Magic and did not want O'Neal making more money than him.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], pp. 104–5, 108, 110.</ref>
On the team's first full day at the Olympics in Atlanta, the media announced that O'Neal would join the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] on a seven-year, $121 million contract.<ref>{{cite news |url=
The [[1997–98 NBA season|
With the tandem of O'Neal and teenage superstar [[Kobe Bryant]], expectations for the Lakers increased; however, personnel changes were a source of instability during the [[1998–99 NBA season|1998–99 season]]. Long-time Laker point guard [[Nick Van Exel]] was traded to the [[Denver Nuggets]];<ref>{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=CBSNews.com |title=Lakers Trade Van Exel to Nuggets |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lakers-trade-van-exel-to-nuggets/ |access-date=May 5, 2024 |publisher=CBSNews.com |date=June 23, 1998}}</ref> his former backcourt partner [[Eddie Jones (basketball)|Eddie Jones]] was packaged with back-up center [[Elden Campbell]] for [[Glen Rice]] to satisfy a demand by O'Neal for a shooter.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Staff |first1=CBSNews.com |title=Lakers Grab Rice in Big Trade |url=https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lakers-grab-rice-in-big-trade/ |access-date=May 5, 2024 |publisher=CBS News |date=March 10, 1999}}</ref> Coach [[Del Harris]] was fired,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Heisler |first1=Mark |title=Lakers' Coach Fired as Team's Turmoil Continues |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1999-feb-25-mn-11652-story.html |access-date=May 5, 2024 |work=Los Angeles Times |date=February 25, 1999}}</ref> and former Lakers forward [[Kurt Rambis]] finished the season as head coach.<ref>{{cite news |title=PRO BASKETBALL; Rambis Hired to Lead Lakers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1999/02/27/sports/pro-basketball-rambis-hired-to-lead-lakers.html |access-date=May 5, 2024 |work=New York Times |date=February 27, 1999}}</ref> The Lakers finished with a 31–19 record during the [[1998–99 NBA lockout|lockout-shortened season]]. Although they made [[1999 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]], they were swept by the [[San Antonio Spurs]], led by [[Tim Duncan]] and [[David Robinson (basketball)|David Robinson]] in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs.<ref>{{cite web |title=1998-99 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1999.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> The Spurs would go on to win their first NBA title in 1999.
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In 1999, prior to the 1999–2000 season, the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] hired [[Phil Jackson]] as head coach, and the team's fortunes soon changed. Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal, telling him "the [NBA's] MVP trophy should be named after him when he retired."<ref>{{cite news |last=Kreigel |first=Mark |title=Jackson shares thoughts on final season |date=May 18, 2011 |work=FoxSports.com |url=http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/Phil-Jackson-shares-candid-thoughts-on-final-season-as-Los-Angeles-Lakers-coach-051811 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120111012329/http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/Phil-Jackson-shares-candid-thoughts-on-final-season-as-Los-Angeles-Lakers-coach-051811 |archive-date=January 11, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref>
In a November 10, 1999, game against the [[Houston Rockets]], O'Neal and [[Charles Barkley]] were ejected. After O'Neal blocked a layup by Barkley, O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal.<ref>{{cite news|title=Shaq, Barkley scuffle, are ejected|url=https://assets.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1110/163531.html|agency=Associated Press|access-date=January 8, 2012|date=November 11, 1999|archive-date=February 2, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120202011853/http://assets.espn.go.com/nba/news/1999/1110/163531.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On March 6, 2000, O'Neal's 28th birthday, he scored a career-high 61 points to go along with 23 rebounds and 3 assists in a 123–103 win over the [[
O'Neal was also voted the [[1999–2000 NBA season|1999–2000 regular season]] [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|Most Valuable Player]], one vote short of becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. [[Fred Hickman]], then of [[CNN]], instead chose [[Allen Iverson]], then of the [[Philadelphia 76ers]], who went on to win MVP the next season. O'Neal also won the scoring title while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. Jackson's influence resulted in a newfound commitment by O'Neal to defense, resulting in his first [[NBA All-Defensive Team|All-Defensive Team]] selection (second-team) in 2000.<ref>{{cite news| title= Phil Jackson's tenure produced the most success and fun we've ever seen| work= Los Angeles Times| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110517052801/http://articles.latimes.com/2011/may/11/sports/la-sp-heisler-lakers-20110512| first= Mark| last= Heisler| url= https://www.latimes.com/sports/la-xpm-2011-may-11-la-sp-heisler-lakers-20110512-story.html| date= May 11, 2011| url-status=live| archive-date= May 17, 2011| access-date= June 17, 2015}}</ref>
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For the [[2003–04 Los Angeles Lakers season|2003–04 season]], the team made a concerted off-season effort to improve its roster. They sought the free-agent services of two aging stars—forward [[Karl Malone]] and guard [[Gary Payton]]—but due to [[NBA Salary Cap|salary cap]] restrictions, could not offer either player nearly as much money as he could have made with some other teams. O'Neal assisted in the recruitment efforts and personally persuaded both men to join the squad, each forgoing larger salaries in favor of a chance to win an NBA championship.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bucher |first1=Ric |title=An Oral History of the 2003-04 Los Angeles Lakers, the 1st Super Team |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2468658-an-oral-history-of-the-2003-2004-los-angeles-lakers-the-first-super-team |access-date=May 10, 2024 |publisher=Bleacher Report |date=May 26, 2015}}</ref> At the beginning of the [[2003–04 NBA season|2003–04 season]], O'Neal wanted a contract extension with a pay raise on his remaining three years for $30 million. The Lakers had hoped O'Neal would take less money due to his age, physical conditioning, and games missed due to injuries. During a preseason game, O'Neal had yelled at Lakers owner [[Jerry Buss]], "Pay me."<ref>{{cite book |last=Lazenby |first=Roland |author-link=Roland Lazenby |title=The Show: The Inside Story of the Spectacular Los Angeles Lakers in the Words of Those Who Lived It |page=[https://archive.org/details/showinsidestoryo00laze/page/421 421]|year=2006 |publisher=[[McGraw-Hill Professional]] |location=New York City |isbn=978-0-07-143034-0 |url=https://archive.org/details/showinsidestoryo00laze |url-access=registration |quote=the show roland lazenby. |ref=lazenby2006 |access-date=April 18, 2011}}</ref> There had been increasing [[Shaq–Kobe feud|tension between O'Neal and Bryant]]. The feud climaxed during training camp prior to the 2003–2004 season when Bryant, in an interview with ESPN journalist [[Jim Gray (sportscaster)|Jim Gray]], criticized O'Neal for being out of shape, a poor leader, and putting his salary demands over the best interest of the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=1648431|title=Kobe critical of Shaq's leadership|work=ESPN|first=Kobe|last=Bryant|interviewer=Jim Gray|date=October 28, 2003|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-date=November 4, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111104005732/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=1648431|url-status=live}}</ref>
The Lakers made the playoffs in 2004 and lost to the [[Detroit Pistons]] in the [[2004 NBA Finals]]. Lakers assistant coach [[Tex Winter]] said, "Shaq defeated himself against Detroit. He played way too passively. He had one big game ... He's always interested in being a scorer, but he hasn't had nearly enough concentration on defense and rebounding".<ref>[[#lazenby2006|Lazenby 2006]], p. 428.</ref> After the series, O'Neal was angered by comments made by Lakers general manager [[Mitch Kupchak]] regarding O'Neal's future with the club,<ref>{{cite news |title=Shaquille O'Neal: Mitch Kupchak to Blame for Trade from Lakers |url=https://www.slamonline.com/archives/shaquille-oneal-mitch-kupchak-to-blame-for-trade-from-lakers/ |access-date=May 10, 2024 |publisher=Slamonline |date=November 8, 2011}}</ref> as well as by the departure of Lakers coach [[Phil Jackson]] at the request of Buss.<ref>[[#lazenby2006|Lazenby 2006]]</ref> O'Neal made comments indicating that he felt the team's decisions were centered on a desire to appease Bryant to the exclusion of all other concerns, and O'Neal promptly demanded a trade.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shaq demands trade |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/2004/06/19/shaq-demands-trade/ |access-date=May 10, 2024 |publisher=Chicago Tribune |date=June 19, 2004}}</ref> Kupchak wanted the [[Dallas Mavericks]]' [[Dirk Nowitzki]] in return but Mavericks owner [[Mark Cuban]] refused to let his 7-footer go. However, Miami showed interest in O'Neal, and eventually the two clubs agreed on a trade.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/5397513/|website=MSNBC|publisher=NBC|title=Shaq happy, Lakers in shock after trade|date=July 15, 2004|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120703101540/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/5397513|archive-date=July 3, 2012}}</ref> Winter said, "[O'Neal] left because he couldn't get what he wanted—a huge pay raise. There was no way ownership could give him what he wanted. Shaq's demands held the franchise hostage, and the way he went about it didn't please the owner too much."<ref>[[#lazenby2006|Lazenby 2006]], p. 434.</ref>
===Miami Heat (2004–2008)===
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}}</ref> The Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence,<ref name="HeatHistory">{{cite web |url=http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/miami/heat.html |title=Miami Heat – Sports Ecyclopedia |website=www.sportsecyclopedia.com |access-date=June 17, 2015 |archive-date=May 9, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150509112905/http://www.sportsecyclopedia.com/nba/miami/heat.html |url-status=live }}</ref> but with his return won seven of their next eight games. Bad luck still haunted the squad, however, as Wade dislocated his left shoulder, leaving O'Neal as the focus of the team.<ref name="HeatHistory"/> Critics doubted that O'Neal, now in his mid-30s, could carry the team into the playoffs.<ref>Thorpe, David. (March 3, 2007). [https://insider.espn.com/nba/insider/columns/story?columnist=thorpe_david&page=ScoutingShaq "Scouting breakdown: Can Shaq carry the Heat?"] . Retrieved June 17, 2015.</ref> The Heat went on a winning streak that kept them in the race for a playoff spot, which they finally secured against the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] on April 5.<ref name="HeatHistory"/>
In a rematch of the
====Career lows and disagreements (2007–2008)====
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|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101006161809/http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/08/05/shaq_aboard_for_two_years/
|archive-date=October 6, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=live
}}</ref> O'Neal wanted the larger [[mid-level exception]] contract, but the Celtics chose instead to give it to [[Jermaine O'Neal]].<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 241.</ref> The [[Atlanta Hawks]] and the [[Dallas Mavericks]] also expressed interest but had stalled on O'Neal's salary demands.<ref>{{cite news
|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/24/sports/basketball/24shaq.html?_r=1
|title=Multiple Nicknames; Dwindling Openings
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}}</ref> He was introduced by the Celtics on August 10, 2010, and chose the number 36.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/08/11/a_large_addition_to_celtics_sizeable_history/ |title=A large addition to Celtics' sizeable history |publisher=www.boston.com |access-date=August 10, 2010 |first=Dan |last=Shaughnessy |date=August 11, 2010 |archive-date=August 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814140823/http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/08/11/a_large_addition_to_celtics_sizeable_history/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
O'Neal said he did not "compete with little guys who run around dominating the ball, throwing up 30 shots a night—like D–Wade, Kobe." O'Neal added that he was only competing against Duncan: "If [[Tim Duncan]] gets five rings, then that gives some writer the chance to say 'Duncan is the best,' and I can't have that."<ref name=macmullan_20100927>{{cite web
| url = https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&id=5620537
| title = Shaq ready to leave mark in Boston
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}}</ref> Publicly, he insisted he did not care whether he started or substituted for the Celtics, but expected to be part of the second unit.<ref name=macmullan_20100927/> Privately, he wanted to start, but kept it to himself.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 244.</ref> O'Neal missed games throughout the season due to an assortment of ailments to his right leg<ref name=may>{{cite news |last=May |first=Peter |title=Celtics Creak Toward Postseason, Hoping They Have Legs for a Run |date=April 11, 2011 |newspaper=[[The New York Times]] |page=D7 |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/sports/basketball/11celtics.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220606094416/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/04/11/sports/basketball/11celtics.html?_r=1 |archive-date=June 6, 2022 |url-status=live}}</ref> including knee,<ref>{{cite news |last=Forsberg |first=Chris |title=Shaquille O'Neal starts vs. Heat |date=November 11, 2010 |work=ESPNBoston.com |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5792098 |access-date=March 22, 2011 |archive-date=November 14, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101114154533/http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5792098 |url-status=live }}</ref> calf,<ref>{{cite news |last=Forsberg |first=Chris |title=Celtics get Shaquille O'Neal back |date=December 19, 2010 |work=ESPNBoston.com |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5936008 |access-date=March 22, 2011 |archive-date=December 22, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101222031626/http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=5936008 |url-status=live }}</ref> hip,<ref>{{cite news |last=Forsberg |first=Chris |title=Shaquille O'Neal injures hip |date=January 22, 2011 |work=ESPNBoston.com |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=6046855 |access-date=March 22, 2011 |archive-date=January 25, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110125100641/http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=6046855 |url-status=live }}</ref> and Achilles injuries.<ref>{{cite news |last=Payne |first=Greg |title=Shaq says he's 85 percent; out another week |date=March 7, 2011 |work=ESPNBoston.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4681422/shaq-says-hes-85-percent-out-another-week |access-date=March 22, 2011 |archive-date=March 11, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110311112704/http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4681422/shaq-says-hes-85-percent-out-another-week |url-status=live }}</ref> The Celtics traded away center [[Kendrick Perkins]] in February partially due to the expectation that O'Neal would return to fill Perkins' role. The Celtics were 33–10 in games Perkins had missed during the year due to injury,<ref name=may/> and they were 19–3 in games that O'Neal played over 20 minutes.<ref>{{cite news |last=Payne |first=Greg |title=Doc Rivers: Timing of trade was off |date=May 16, 2011 |work=ESPNBoston.com |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=6555870 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110519092858/http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=6555870 |archive-date=May 19, 2011 }}</ref> After requesting a [[cortisone]] shot, O'Neal returned April 3 after missing 27 games due to his Achilles; he played only five minutes due to a strained right calf.<ref name=may/><ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]] p. 256.</ref> It was the last regular season game he would play that year.<ref>{{cite news |title=Amare Stoudemire back as Celts' reserves top Knicks' second string |date=April 13, 2011 |agency=[[Associated Press]] |work=ESPN |url=http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310413002 |access-date=April 14, 2011 |quote=Shaquille O'Neal, who has played 5 minutes, 29 seconds since Feb. 1, also sat out. |archive-date=April 17, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110417152245/http://scores.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=310413002 |url-status=dead }}</ref> O'Neal missed the first round of the [[2011 NBA Playoffs|2011 playoffs]]. He insisted on more cortisone shots and returned in the second round, but he was limited to 12 minutes in two games as the Heat eliminated the Celtics from the playoffs.<ref>{{cite news |last=Forsberg |first=Chris |title=Report card: Shaquille O'Neal |date=May 18, 2011 |work=ESPNBoston.com |url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4684171/report-card-shaquille-oneal |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110521043123/http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4684171/report-card-shaquille-oneal |archive-date=May 21, 2011 }}</ref><ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan]] p. 257.</ref>
On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via social media.<ref>{{cite web |last=MacMullen |first=Jackie |date=June 1, 2011 |title=Shaquille O'Neal announces retirement |url=https://www.espn.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=6615886 |access-date=June 1, 2011 |website=ESPN |archive-date=June 2, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110602162755/http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/news/story?id=6615886 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=giles>{{cite news |last=Olivarez-Giles |first=Nathan |title=Shaq announces NBA retirement on Twitter, using Tout iPhone app [Updated]|date=June 1, 2011 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/06/shaq-announces-nba-retirement-on-twitter-using-tout-iphone-app.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603214631/http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/technology/2011/06/shaq-announces-nba-retirement-on-twitter-using-tout-iphone-app.html |archive-date=June 3, 2011 |url-status=live}}</ref> On a short video on [[Twitter]], O'Neal tweeted, "We did it. Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much. That's why I'm telling you first. I'm about to retire. Love you. Talk to you soon." On June 3, 2011, O'Neal held a press conference at his home in Orlando to officially announce his retirement.<ref>{{
==National team career==
While in college, O'Neal was considered for the [[1992 United States men's Olympic basketball team|Dream Team]] to fill the college spot, but it eventually went to future teammate [[Christian Laettner]].<ref>[[ESPN]] [https://www.espn.com/nba/player/bio/_/id/614/shaquille-oneal]
He was one of two players (the other being [[Reggie Miller]]) from the 1994 roster to be also named to the [[1996 United States men's Olympic basketball team|Dream Team III]]. Due to more star-power, he rotated with [[Hakeem Olajuwon]] and [[David Robinson (basketball)|David Robinson]] and started 3 games. He averaged 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds with 8 total blocks. Again, a perfect 8–0 record landed him another gold medal at the [[Basketball at the 1996 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|1996 Olympics]] in Atlanta. O'Neal was upset that coach [[Lenny Wilkens]] played Robinson more minutes in the final game; Wilkens previously explained to O'Neal that it would probably be Robinson's last Olympics.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 112.</ref>
After his 1996 experience, he declined to play in international competition. He was angered by being overlooked for the [[FIBA Americas Championship 1999|1999 FIBA AmeriCup]] squad, saying it was a "lack of respect".<ref>
==Player profile==
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O'Neal established himself as an overpowering low post presence, putting up career averages of 23.7 points on .582 field goal accuracy, 10.9 rebounds and 2.3 blocks per game.
At {{height|ft=7|in=1}}, {{convert|330|lb|kg|abbr=on}}<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/suns/news/tribune_080207_shaq.html |title=SUNS: Shaq on Board |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=March 7, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090307210243/http://www.nba.com/suns/news/tribune_080207_shaq.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and U.S. [[shoe size]] 23,<ref name=nbabio/> he became famous for his physical stature. His physical frame gave him a power advantage over most opponents. On two occasions during his first season in the NBA, his powerful dunks [[backboard shattering|broke the steel backboard supports]], prompting the league to increase the brace strength and stability of the backboards for the following 1993–94 season.<ref>{{cite web |url=
O'Neal's "[[drop step]]", (called the "Black Tornado" by O'Neal) in which he posted up a defender, turned around and, using his elbows for leverage, powered past him for a very high-percentage [[slam dunk]], proved an effective offensive weapon. In addition, O'Neal frequently used a right-handed [[Hook shot|jump hook]] shot to score near the basket. The ability to dunk contributed to his career field goal accuracy of .582, second only to [[Artis Gilmore]] as the highest field goal percentage of all time.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/FGP_career.html |title=Career Leaders and Records for Field Goal Pct |publisher=Basketball-reference.com |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=April 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220417181006/https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fg_pct_career.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He led the NBA in field goal percentage 10 times, breaking [[Wilt Chamberlain]]'s record of nine.<ref name=nbabio/>
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Opposing teams often used up many fouls on O'Neal, reducing the playing time of their own big men. O'Neal's imposing physical presence inside the [[Key (basketball)|paint]] caused dramatic changes in many teams' offensive and defensive strategies.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280429024|title=Phoenix Suns vs. San Antonio Spurs – Recap – April 29, 2008|work=ESPN|date=April 29, 2008|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-date=October 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121023005629/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=280429024|url-status=dead}}</ref>
O'Neal's primary weakness was his [[free throw]] shooting, with a career average of 52.7%. He once missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game against the [[Seattle SuperSonics]] on December 8, 2000, a record.<ref>{{cite web |quote=Through the 2004–2005 season |url=http://www.nba.com/history/records/regular_freethrows.html |title=Regular Season Records: Free Throws |work=NBA.com |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060824214804/http://www.nba.com/history/records/regular_freethrows.html |archive-date=August 24, 2006 }}</ref> O'Neal believes his free throw woes were a mental issue, as he often shot 80
O'Neal only made one three-point shot during his entire career. He made the shot during the 1995–96 NBA season with the Orlando Magic. His career three-point-shot record is 1 for 22 (a 4.5% career percentage).
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O'Neal was a capable defender, named three times to the All-NBA Second Defensive Team. His presence intimidated opposing players shooting near the basket, and he averaged 2.3 blocked shots per game over the course of his career.<ref>Benjamin, Josh. (September 21, 2012). [http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/1342459-5-things-dwight-howard-does-better-than-shaquille-oneal-ever-did-with-la-lakers/page/3 "5 Things Dwight Howard Does Better Than Shaquille O'Neal Ever Did With The LA Lakers"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232021/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1342459-5-things-dwight-howard-does-better-than-shaquille-oneal-ever-did-with-la-lakers#slide3 |date=October 30, 2023 }}. ''Bleacher Report''. Retrieved June 22, 2015.</ref>
Phil Jackson believed O'Neal underachieved in his career, saying he "could and should have been the MVP player for 10 consecutive seasons."<ref>{{cite news |last=Medina |first=Mark |title=Shaquille O'Neal's retirement brings reflections on his legacy with the Lakers |date=June 1, 2011 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/06/shaquille-oneals-retirement-brings-immediate-reflections-on-what-his-legacy-with-the-lakers-entails.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120103031638/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/06/shaquille-oneals-retirement-brings-immediate-reflections-on-what-his-legacy-with-the-lakers-entails.html |archive-date=January 3, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary ''[[The Athletic]]'' ranked their top 75 players of all time, and named O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history.<ref>{{cite
[[Los Angeles Lakers#Retired numbers|The Lakers retired]] his No. 34 jersey on April 2, 2013.<ref>{{cite news|author=Eric Pincus|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-retire-shaquille-oneal-jersey-20130402,0,914934.story|title=Lakers retire Shaquille O'Neal's jersey|date=April 2, 2013|access-date=April 2, 2013|archive-date=April 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130403103306/http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-retire-shaquille-oneal-jersey-20130402,0,914934.story|url-status=live}}</ref> On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced that it would retire O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during the 2016–17 season, making O'Neal one of just 32 athletes in American professional sports history to have their jersey retired by multiple teams.<ref>{{cite web
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O'Neal called himself "The Big [[Aristotle]]" and "Hobo Master" for his composure and insights during interviews. Journalists and others gave O'Neal several nicknames, including "Shaq", "The Diesel", "[[Shaq Fu]]", "The Big Daddy", "[[Superman]]", "The Big [[Agave]]", "The Big [[Cactus]]", "The Big Shaqtus", "The Big [[Galactus]]", "[[Wilt Chamberlain|Wilt Chamberneezy]]", "The Big [[Mikhail Baryshnikov|Baryshnikov]]", "The Real Deal", "The Big [[Shamrock]]", "The Big [[Leprechaun]]", "Shaqovic",<ref>{{cite news |url=https://latimes.com/sports/la-sp-briefing12-2008jun12,0,7253710.story |title=Bank shot could pay off for Shaq |work=Los Angeles Times |author=Mike Bresnahan & Robyn Norwood |date=June 12, 2007 |access-date=December 7, 2019 |archive-date=July 12, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080712070934/http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-briefing12-2008jun12,0,7253710.story |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url= http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/jack_mccallum/news/2002/06/12/insider/ |work=CNNSI.com |author=Jack McCallum |title=Inside the NBA – SI's Jack McCallum: Sizing up Shaq |date=December 10, 2002 |access-date= March 2, 2007 |archive-date=March 22, 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070322190038/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/inside_game/jack_mccallum/news/2002/06/12/insider/ |url-status=live }}</ref> and "The Big Conductor".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.lowpostnews.com/celtics/shaq-diesel-never-say-never-again12182010/ |title=Shaq Diesel: Never Say Never Again |work=the low post news |author=Geof Harris |date=December 18, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131217165746/http://www.lowpostnews.com/celtics/shaq-diesel-never-say-never-again12182010/ |archive-date=December 17, 2013}}</ref> Although he was a favorite interviewee of the press, O'Neal was sensitive and often went weeks without speaking.<ref name= heisler_06012011/> When he did not want to speak with the press, he employed an interview technique whereby, sitting in front of his cubicle, he would murmur in his low-pitched voice.<ref name= heisler_06012011>{{cite news |last=Heisler |first=Mark |title=Shaquille O'Neal was not always the most dominating, but always the most fun |date=June 1, 2011 |newspaper=[[Los Angeles Times]] |url=https://latimes.com/sports/la-sp-heisler-shaquille-oneal-20110602,0,6780278,full.column |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110606042836/http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-heisler-shaquille-oneal-20110602,0,6780278,full.column |archive-date=June 6, 2011 }}</ref><ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p.205</ref>
During the 2000 [[Screen Actors Guild]] strike, O'Neal performed in a commercial for [[The Walt Disney Company|Disney]]. O'Neal was fined by the union for crossing the [[picketing (protest)|picket line]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://variety.com/
O'Neal's humorous and sometimes incendiary comments fueled the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]' long-standing rivalry with the [[Sacramento Kings]]; O'Neal frequently referred to the Sacramento team as the "Queens".<ref>{{cite web|url=
He also received media flak for [[Ching chong|mocking Chinese people]] when interviewed about newcomer center [[Yao Ming]]. O'Neal told a reporter, "you tell Yao Ming, ching chong yang, wah, ah so."<ref>{{cite news
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|last=Guillermo
|author-link=Emil Guillermo
|url=
|newspaper=San Francisco Chronicle
|date=January 14, 2003 |access-date=August 25, 2010 |quote=Perhaps we should put it in terms Shaq might understand: If a white comedian imitated Shaq by making monkey sounds while eating fried chicken and watermelon, would the point be clearer?
|url-status=live
|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171030203034/http://articles.sfgate.com/2003-01-14/news/17470622_1_yao-ming-birthday-party-asian-american-studies
|archive-date=October 30, 2017 }}</ref> O'Neal later said it was [[locker room]] humor and he meant no offense. Yao believed that O'Neal was joking, but he said many Asians wouldn't see the humor.<ref>{{cite news
|title = Sports of The Times; Fans in Shanghai Are Voting in the Mainstream
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===Music career===
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians -->
| name = Shaquille O'Neal
| alias = DJ Diesel
| image = Shaq 2018 MLB All- Star Weekend Celebrity Softball (cropped).jpg
| caption = O'Neal DJing at the [[All-Star Legends & Celebrity Softball Game]] at [[Nationals Park]] in [[Washington, D.C.]], in July 2018
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O'Neal produces electronic dance music and tours the world under the stage name DJ Diesel (stylized in all caps).<ref>Garcia, Brayden (June 21, 2023). [https://news.yahoo.com/shaquille-o-neal-aka-dj-123332072.html "Shaquille O'Neal, aka 'DJ Diesel,' to Bring Dubstep Music Festival to Fort Worth This Fall."] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230623123207/https://news.yahoo.com/shaquille-o-neal-aka-dj-123332072.html |date=June 23, 2023 }} ''[[Yahoo! News]]''. Retrieved 25 June 2023.</ref>
In July 2017, O'Neal released a [[diss track]] aimed at [[LaVar Ball]], the father of NBA point guard [[Lonzo Ball]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Lavar Ball Diss Track |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvzMou9qN1M |website=Youtube | date=July 31, 2017 |access-date=May 10, 2024}}</ref> The three-minute song was released in response to Ball claiming he and his younger son [[LaMelo]], would beat O'Neal and his son [[Shareef O'Neal|Shareef]] in a game of basketball.
On October 23, 2021, O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel on the bassPOD stage at the 2021 [[Electric Daisy Carnival]] in [[Las Vegas, Nevada]].<ref>{{cite web |last1= Cihak |first1=Lennon |date=2021-10-20 |title=Shaquille O'Neal Joins Impressive Lineup at the 2021 Formula 1 U.S. Grand Prix |url=https://edm.com/events/shaq-formula-1-grand-prix-2021-dj-set |access-date=2021-10-23 |website=edm.com |publisher=The Arena Group |archive-date= October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024065432/https://edm.com/events/shaq-formula-1-grand-prix-2021-dj-set |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Sani |first1=Niko |date=2021-10-07 |title=Here are the EDC Las Vegas 2021 Stage-by-Stage Lineups |url=https://edm.com/events/edc-las-vegas-2021-stage-by-stage-lineup |access-date=2021-10-23 |website= edm.com |publisher=The Arena Group |archive-date=October 24, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024065433/https://edm.com/events/edc-las-vegas-2021-stage-by-stage-lineup |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=@djdiesel |date=2021-10-23 |title=DJ DIESEL (@djdiesel) * Instagram photos and videos |url=https://www.instagram.com/p/CVZE0BdJUOh/ |url-access=subscription |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/CVZE0BdJUOh |archive-date=2021-12-23 |access-date=2021-10-23 |publisher=Instagram |quote=Tonight I play my first EDC. I've been waiting for this moment for a long time. Let's turn the pit into a warzone. EDC LAS VEGAS I will see you at the bass pod tonight at 9:30PM!}}{{cbignore}}</ref>
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O'Neal is one of the first African Americans to portray a major comic book superhero in a motion picture, having starred as [[Steel (John Henry Irons)|John Henry Irons]], the protagonist in the 1997 film ''[[Steel (1997 film)|Steel]]''. He is preceded only by [[Michael Jai White]], whose film ''[[Spawn (1997 film)|Spawn]]'' was released two weeks before ''Steel''.
O'Neal appeared as himself on an episode of ''[[Curb Your Enthusiasm]]'', bedridden after [[Larry David]]'s character accidentally tripped him while stretching, and in two episodes each of ''[[My Wife and Kids]]'' and ''[[The Parkers]]''. He appeared in cameo roles in the films ''[[Freddy Got Fingered]]'', ''[[Jack and Jill (2011 film)|Jack and Jill]]'' and ''[[Scary Movie 4]]''. O'Neal appeared in the [[311 (band)|311]] music video for the hit single "[[You Wouldn't Believe]]" in 2001, in [[Sean Combs|P. Diddy's]] video for "[[Bad Boy for Life]]", the video for [[Aaron Carter]]'s "[[That's How I Beat Shaq]]", the video for [[Owl City]]'s "[[Vanilla Twilight]]" and the video for [[Maroon 5]]'s "[[Don't Wanna Know]]". O'Neal appeared in the movie ''[[CB4]]'' in a small "interviewing" scene. O'Neal appeared in a ''[[SportsCenter]]'' commercial dressed in his Miami police uniform, rescuing [[Mike the Tiger]] from a tree. O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in ''[[X2 (film)|X2]]'' (2003), the second installment of the [[X-Men (film series)|''X-Men'' film series]], but was ignored by the filmmakers.<ref>{{cite news |author=Army Archerd |url=https://variety.com/
He voiced animated versions of himself on several occasions, including in the animated series ''[[Static Shock]]'' (2002; episode "Static Shaq"), in ''[[Johnny Bravo]]'' (1997; episode "Back on Shaq"), in ''[[Uncle Grandpa]]'' (2014; episode "Perfect Kid"),<!-- reference supports content --> and in ''[[The Lego Movie]]'' (2014). He also had a voice over role in the 2013 film ''[[The Smurfs 2]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Shaquille-ONeal/|title=Shaquille O'Neal|publisher=Behind the Voice Actors|access-date=June 14, 2016|archive-date=August 5, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160805084215/http://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Shaquille-ONeal/|url-status=live}}</ref>
===Video games===
O'Neal was featured on the covers of video games ''[[NBA Live 96]]'', ''[[NBA 2K6]]'', ''[[NBA 2K7]]'', ''[[NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC]]'', ''[[NBA Hoopz]]'', and ''NBA Inside Drive 2004''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://wiki.nba-live.com/index.php?n=Games.Covers |title=The NBA Live Wiki – Covers |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110828070621/http://wiki.nba-live.com/index.php?n=Games.Covers |archive-date=August 28, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://games.ign.com/articles/641/641992p1.html |title=Shaq to Grace Cover of NBA 2K6 |website=IGN |access-date=May 7, 2012 |date=August 15, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070806031920/http://games.ign.com/articles/641/641992p1.html |archive-date=August 6, 2007}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.planetxbox360.com/article_243/Shaq_Stays_as_Cover_Athlete_for_NBA_2K7|title=Shaq Stays as Cover Athlete for NBA 2K7|publisher=Planet Xbox 360|access-date=May 7, 2012|first=Matt|last=G.|archive-date=June 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607135217/http://www.planetxbox360.com/article_243/Shaq_Stays_as_Cover_Athlete_for_NBA_2K7|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Midway+Games+Signs+Shaquille+O%27Neal+for+NBA+Showtime%3A+NBA+on+NBC.-a056056549|title=Midway Games Signs Shaquille O'Neal for NBA Showtime: NBA on NBC|access-date=May 7, 2012|date=October 7, 1999|archive-date=December 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208192942/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/Midway+Games+Signs+Shaquille+O%27Neal+for+NBA+Showtime%3A+NBA+on+NBC.-a056056549}}</ref> O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of ''[[NBA Jam (1993 video game)|NBA Jam]]'' (1993), ''[[NBA Jam (2003 video game)|NBA Jam]]'' (2003),
===Television===
O'Neal and his mother, Lucille Harrison, were featured in the documentary film ''Apple Pie'', which aired on [[ESPN]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaquille O'Neal & Lucille Harrison|url=http://www.applepiemovie.com/html/shaqandlucille.html|work=applepiemovie.com|access-date=August 11, 2012|archive-date=August 31, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120831034008/http://www.applepiemovie.com/html/shaqandlucille.html}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title="Apple Pie" and mom on Mother's Day|url=https://www.espn.com/classic/s/mothersday_applepie.html|work=ESPN|access-date=August 11, 2012|archive-date=April 16, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140416180639/http://espn.go.com/classic/s/mothersday_applepie.html|url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neal had a 2005 reality series on ESPN, ''[[Shaquille (TV series)|Shaquille]]'',<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaquille (TV series 2005)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0461634/|work=IMDb|date=May 24, 2005|access-date=August 11, 2012|archive-date=July 29, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150729024444/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0461634/|url-status=live}}</ref> and hosted a series called ''[[Shaq's Big Challenge]]'' on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaq's Big Challenge (2007)|url=https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0978758/|work=IMDb|date=June 26, 2007|access-date=August 11, 2012|archive-date=August 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811110929/http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0978758/|url-status=live}}</ref>
O'Neal was pranked on the MTV show ''[[Punk'd]]'' when a crew member accused him of stealing his parking space. After O'Neal and his wife went into a restaurant, [[Ashton Kutcher]]'s crew members let the air out of O'Neal's tires. O'Neal and the crew member then got into an altercation, and after Kutcher told O'Neal he had been Punk'd, O'Neal [[finger (gesture)|made an obscene gesture]] at the camera.<ref>{{cite web|title=Punk'd – Season 5 – Episode 8 |url=http://www.muchmusic.com/tv/punkd/seasonfive.aspx?eid=22540 |work= muchmusic.com |access-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130815024637/http://www.muchmusic.com/tv/punkd/seasonfive.aspx?eid=22540 |archive-date=August 15, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{IMDb name|0641944}}</ref>
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In October 2022, O'Neal signed a long-term contract extension with [[Warner Bros. Discovery Sports]] to continue as a host on ''[[Inside the NBA]].''<ref>{{Cite magazine |last=Chavkin |first=Daniel |title=TNT Announces 'Inside the NBA' Crew's Future Amid Charles Barkley Contract |url=https://www.si.com/media/2022/10/17/tnt-announces-extensions-for-all-four-inside-the-nba-personalities |access-date=2022-10-19 |magazine= Sports Illustrated |language=en-us |archive-date=October 19, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221019193653/https://www.si.com/media/2022/10/17/tnt-announces-extensions-for-all-four-inside-the-nba-personalities |url-status=live }}</ref>
On May 3, 2024, O'Neal was announced as one of the co-hosts (along with [[Gina Rodriguez]]) of the upcoming [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] game show ''[[Lucky 13 (TV series)|Lucky 13]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shaquille O'Neal & Gina Rodriguez To Host ABC Game Show 'Lucky 13' From Exec Producer Kevin Bacon & Studio 1 |date= May 3, 2024 |url=https://deadline.com/2024/05/shaquille-oneal-gina-rodriguez-abc-lucky-13-kevin-bacon-1235903385/ |access-date=2024-05-04}}</ref> The series premiered on July 18, 2024.
===Advertising===
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===Business ventures===
{{as of|2022}} O'Neal is among the five wealthiest NBA players, with a net worth of $400 million.<ref name="hernandez20220623">{{Cite news |last=Hernández |first=Belén |date=2022-06-23 |title=Shaquille O'Neal, the king of franchises: 155 burger joints, 40 gyms and a $400 million fortune |language=en-us |work=El Pais |url=https://english.elpais.com/sports/2022-06-23/shaquille-oneal-the-king-of-franchises-155-burger-joints-40-gyms-and-a-fortune-of-400-million.html |access-date=2022-12-30 |archive-date=December 30, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221230040103/https://english.elpais.com/sports/2022-06-23/shaquille-oneal-the-king-of-franchises-155-burger-joints-40-gyms-and-a-fortune-of-400-million.html |url-status=live }}</ref> He was an active bond investor in the early 1990s but continued to wade into stocks and made investments in various companies such as [[General Electric]], [[Apple Inc.|Apple]], and [[PepsiCo]]. He described what has worked best for him in stock investing was where he felt a personal connection with the company.<ref name="TELIS DEMOS">{{
In conjunction with Boraie Development, O'Neal has developed projects in his hometown of [[Newark, New Jersey]], including, CityPlex12 and [[One Riverview (Newark)|One Riverview]].<ref>{{cite web | title = One River View at Rector | publisher = Emporis | url = http://www.emporis.com/building/one-river-view-at-rector-newark-nj-usa | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140107163053/http://www.emporis.com/building/one-river-view-at-rector-newark-nj-usa | archive-date = January 7, 2014 | url-status = usurped | access-date = December 8, 2013}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Haddon | first = Heather | title = Star Comes Home to Build in Newark Shaquille O'Neal in Real Estate Development Partnership | website = The Wall Street Journal | date = September 26, 2013 | url = https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304526204579099520256095060 | access-date = March 14, 2017 | archive-date = February 19, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140219004629/http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304526204579099520256095060 | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | last = Munson | first = John | title = Shaq comes back to Newark to break ground for city's first high-rise apartment in more than 50 years | website = The Star-Ledger | date = September 27, 2013 | url = http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/shaquille_oneal_booker_newark.html | access-date = March 22, 2014 | archive-date = January 7, 2014 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140107022745/http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/shaquille_oneal_booker_newark.html | url-status = live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Booker, Shaquille O'Neal and other dignitaries break ground on new high-rise apartments |publisher=Essex News Daily |date=September 30, 2013 |url=http://essexnewsdaily.com/news/newark/booker-shaquille-oneal-and-other-dignitaries-break-ground-on-new-high-rise-apartments |access-date=December 8, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107021650/http://essexnewsdaily.com/news/newark/booker-shaquille-oneal-and-other-dignitaries-break-ground-on-new-high-rise-apartments |archive-date=January 7, 2014}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.njeda.com/web/pdf/HUB_Activity.pdf |title=New Jersey Economic Development Authority: Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program: Approved Projects |website= njeda.com |access-date=February 23, 2016 |archive-date=December 30, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233614/http://www.njeda.com/web/pdf/HUB_Activity.pdf }}</ref>
O'Neal is on the [[advisory board]] for [[Tout (company)|Tout Industries]], a [[social media|social]] video service based in San Francisco.<ref name=giles/> He received the position in return for breaking news of his NBA retirement on the service.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], pp. 263–4.</ref>
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In September 2013, O'Neal became a minority owner of the [[Sacramento Kings]] professional basketball team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/kings/2013/09/23/shaq-sacramento-kings-shaquille-oneal/2854021/|title=Shaquille O'Neal buys a stake in the Sacramento Kings|website=[[USA Today]]|access-date=August 22, 2017|archive-date= September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908063414/https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/kings/2013/09/23/shaq-sacramento-kings-shaquille-oneal/2854021/|url-status=live}}</ref> In April 2018, O'Neal was named the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming, the Kings' [[NBA 2K League]] affiliate.<ref name= "ThePostGame"/> In January 2022, O'Neal sold his stake in the Kings.<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaquille O'Neal officially sells his stake in Sacramento Kings, walks away from 'our great partnership' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33054333/shaquille-oneal-officially-sells-stake-sacramento-kings-walks-away-our-great-partnership |website=ESPN |access-date=January 14, 2022 |date=January 12, 2022 |archive-date=January 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220113100710/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33054333/shaquille-oneal-officially-sells-stake-sacramento-kings-walks-away-our-great-partnership |url-status=live }}</ref>
O'Neal was an early investor in [[Google]].{{r|hernandez20220623}} In June 2015, he invested in technology startup Loyale3 Holdings Inc., a San Francisco brokerage firm whose website and mobile app enables companies to sell a piece of their [[Initial public offering|IPOs]] directly to small investors who put up as a little as $100 and also allows investors to regularly buy small amounts of shares in already public companies.<ref name="TELIS DEMOS" />
O'Neal is an investor for [[esports]] team [[NRG Esports]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/15000505/shaquille-oneal-alex-rodriguez-jimmy-rollins-invest-nrg-esports-teams|title=Shaq, A-Rod, Rollins invest in esports team|date=March 18, 2016|access-date=May 18, 2016|archive-date=May 18, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160518112816/http://espn.go.com/esports/story/_/id/15000505/shaquille-oneal-alex-rodriguez-jimmy-rollins-invest-nrg-esports-teams|url-status=live}}</ref> He has also appeared in television commercials promoting the ''[[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive]]'' league ''[[ELeague]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.lazygamer.net/esports/eleague-brought-back-shaqs-memorable-acting-skills/|title=ELEAGUE have brought back Shaq's memorable acting skills|date=May 18, 2016|access-date=May 18, 2016|archive-date=May 19, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519110503/http://www.lazygamer.net/esports/eleague-brought-back-shaqs-memorable-acting-skills/|url-status=live}}</ref>
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In August 2010, O'Neal was sued by his personal IT technician, Shawn Darling, after O'Neal had allegedly attempted to plant child pornography on Darling's computer.<ref>{{cite web |date= September 15, 2010 |title=EXCLUSIVE: Shaquille O'Neal Accused Of Computer Hacking, Throwing Evidence In Lake, Says New Lawsuit |url=https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/09/exclusive-shaquille-oneal-accused-computer-hacking-throwing-evidence-lake-says/ |access-date=December 28, 2020 |website= RadarOnline |language=en-US |archive-date=December 27, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201227050358/https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2010/09/exclusive-shaquille-oneal-accused-computer-hacking-throwing-evidence-lake-says/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shaq Smacked With Kiddie Porn Frame-Up Lawsuit |url=https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/shaq-smacked-with-kiddie-porn-frame-up-lawsuit/1840823/ |access-date=December 28, 2020 |website=NBC 6 South Florida |date=September 15, 2010 |language=en-US |archive-date=July 15, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715063737/https://www.nbcmiami.com/news/local/shaq-smacked-with-kiddie-porn-frame-up-lawsuit/1840823/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=Munzenrieder |first=Kyle |date=September 15, 2010 |title=Shaq Hit With Lawsuit For Attempting to Plant Child Porn on Former Employee's Computer |url=https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/shaq-hit-with-lawsuit-for-attempting-to-plant-child-porn-on-former-employees-computer-6530360 |access-date=December 28, 2020 |website= [[Miami New Times]] |archive-date= November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111233012/https://www.miaminewtimes.com/news/shaq-hit-with-lawsuit-for-attempting-to-plant-child-porn-on-former-employees-computer-6530360 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last=King |first=James |date=September 16, 2010 |title=Shaq Sued by Former Employee for Allegedly Hacking Into Computer to Destroy Evidence of Affairs – and Reputedly Attempting to Frame Employee for Possessing Kiddy Porn |url=https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/shaq-sued-by-former-employee-for-allegedly-hacking-into-computer-to-destroy-evidence-of-affairs-and-reputedly-attempting-to-frame-employee-for-possessing-kiddy-porn-6657006 |access-date=December 28, 2020 |website= [[Phoenix New Times]] |archive-date=January 6, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210106062635/https://www.phoenixnewtimes.com/news/shaq-sued-by-former-employee-for-allegedly-hacking-into-computer-to-destroy-evidence-of-affairs-and-reputedly-attempting-to-frame-employee-for-possessing-kiddy-porn-6657006 |url-status=live }}</ref> Darling claimed that O'Neal had originally tried to protect himself by hacking his mistresses' voicemails and deleting relevant messages. Darling also alleged that O'Neal had used law enforcement contacts to obtain restricted information on those mistresses, and that O'Neal subsequently threw his laptop into a lake to destroy possible evidence.<ref>{{cite web |title= Former Employee Says Shaq Took Up Computer Hacking, Threw Evidence in a Lake |url=https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2010/09/shaqs_alleged_mistress_says_he.html |access-date=December 28, 2020 |website= Intelligencer, [[New York (magazine)|New York]] |date=September 15, 2010 |language=en-us |archive-date=November 29, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129023814/https://nymag.com/intelligencer/2010/09/shaqs_alleged_mistress_says_he.html |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2017, a trial court ruled that Darling had not filed the lawsuit "in good faith", and that the accusations made by Darling occurred after he had attempted to extort $12,000,000 from O'Neal in return for thousands of stolen emails and electronic files.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |title= Shaquille O'Neal vs Shawn Darling and Menachem Mayberg |url=https://law.justia.com/cases/florida/third-district-court-of-appeal/2021/3d19-1645.html |access-date=2022-03-09 |website=Justia Law |language=en |archive-date=March 9, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220309133942/https://law.justia.com/cases/florida/third-district-court-of-appeal/2021/3d19-1645.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Throughout the trial, Darling failed to submit adequate evidence to support his claims.<ref name=":0" /> In 2021, the litigation ended with a court ruling that O'Neal was entitled to $412,914.50 in legal fees.<ref name=":0" />
In April 2014, O'Neal posted a photo on Instagram that showed himself mocking Jahmel Binion who suffers from [[Ectodermal dysplasia]].<ref name= "HARTMAN">{{cite web |last= Hartman |first= Madison |title=Ex-NBA star Shaquille O'Neal, two others being sued by man with rare genetic disease who was mocked via social media |url=https://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/shaq-sued-man-mocked-instagram-article-1.1888337 |access-date=December 27, 2020 |website=New York Daily News|date=August 2014 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Shaq Makes Fun Of Disabled Man | website= YouTube | date= April 28, 2014 |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KwSLeAd7wVo |url-status=live |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/KwSLeAd7wVo |archive-date=2021-12-11 |access-date=December 27, 2020 }}{{cbignore}}</ref> O'Neal issued a public apology, stating that he and Binion had spoken and that he's "made a friend today".<ref name="HARTMAN" /> Binion however proceeded to sue O'Neal for a sum larger than $25,000.<ref name="HARTMAN" /> In 2016, Binion withdrew the lawsuit after coming to a settlement agreement with O'Neal.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Binion v. O'Neal, CASE NO. 15-60869-CIV-COHN/SELTZER |url=https://casetext.com/case/binion-v-oneal-1 |access-date= 2022-03-09 |website= casetext.com}}</ref>
==Personal life==
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O'Neal's stepfather, Philip Arthur Harrison, died of a heart attack on September 10, 2013.<ref>{{cite web|author=John S.|url=https://www.vladtv.com/article/231781/shaq-mourns-the-loss-of-his-stepfather-i-wouldnt-be-here-without-you|title=Shaq Mourns the Loss of His Stepfather: I Wouldn't Be Here Without You|publisher=[[VladTV]]|date=August 15, 2017|access-date=March 10, 2022}}</ref>
O'Neal is a fan of the [[National Hockey League]]'s [[New Jersey Devils]], who play in his hometown of Newark, and has been seen at several games over the years.<ref>{{cite web|last=Wyshynski |first=Greg |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/blog/puck_daddy/post/Video-Shaquille-O-Neal-New-Jersey-Devils-fan?urn=nhl,119458 |title=Video: Shaquille O'Neal, New Jersey Devils fan – Puck Daddy – NHL Blog – Yahoo! Sports |website=Sports.yahoo.com |date=November 3, 2008 |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref> On January 11, 2014, O'Neal performed the [[ceremonial puck drop|ceremonial first puck]] and drove a [[ice resurfacer|Zamboni]] for a game between the Devils and the [[Florida Panthers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXC5QKLHVUo |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/SXC5QKLHVUo| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title=Shaq drives the Zamboni in Newark |publisher=YouTube |date=January 11, 2014 |access-date=February 23, 2016}}{{cbignore}}</ref> O'Neal is also a fan of English [[association football|football]] club [[Northampton Town F.C.|Northampton Town]], and has posted videos of support to their official [[YouTube]] page.<ref name="k593">{{cite web | last=Wright | first=Chris | title=Shaq celebrates Northampton promotion | website=ESPN.com | date=2016-05-05 | url=
O'Neal is a fan of [[National Football League]]'s [[Dallas Cowboys]]. According to him, football was actually his first sport and he wants to be like his idol, [[Ed "Too Tall" Jones]].<ref>{{
In 2016, O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre, two-house compound in [[McDonough, Georgia]] for $1.15 million. It is around 30 miles southeast of [[Atlanta]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Neal J. Leitereg|url=https://www.latimes.com/business/realestate/hot-property/la-fi-hotprop-shaq-house-atlanta-20160520-snap-story.html|title=Shaquille O'Neal scores a two-house compound outside of Atlanta|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=May 20, 2016|access-date=April 22, 2022}}</ref>
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O'Neal turned down a $40 million deal with Reebok after hearing a mother complain about how expensive his shoes were.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.blackenterprise.com/shaq-says-upset-mom-who-slapped-money-out-his-hand-made-him-ultimately-turn-down-40m-shoe-deal/ |title=Shaq Says Upset Mom Who Slapped Money Out Of His Hand, Made Him Ultimately Turn Down $40M Shoe Deal|first=Ashantai |last=Hathaway|date=August 30, 2021 |website=[[Black Enterprise]]|access-date=October 24, 2022 }}</ref>
In July 2023, O'Neal purchased his first private jet; a $27 million [[Bombardier Challenger 600 series|Bombardier Challenger 650]], complete with the iconic "Dunkman" logo on the tail.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Davoren |first=Hailey |date=July 27, 2023 |title=Check out Shaquille O'Neal's new Challenger 650 with custom 'Dunkman' logo |url=https://www.globalair.com/articles/check-out-shaquille-oneals-new-challenger-650-with-custom-dunkman-logo?id=6182 |access-date=2023-08-02 |
O'Neal mentored [[Chicago Sky]] player and former [[LSU Tigers women's basketball]] player [[Angel Reese]], Reese identifies O'Neal as a father figure.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Schnell |first1=Lindsay |title=Mentorship between LSU star Angel Reese and LSU legend Shaq one of 'incredible trust' |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaw/sec/2024/01/25/angel-reese-shaquille-oneal-lsu-womens-basketball/72338323007/ |website=[[USA Today]] |access-date=January 27, 2024 |date=January 25, 2024}}</ref> Reese is a subject of ''[[The Money Game: LSU]]'' on [[Amazon Prime Video|Prime Video]] produced by O'Neal's Jersey Legends Productions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Prime Video Slates LSU-Set Docuseries 'The Money Game' About NIL Impact On College Sports; Shaquille O'Neal's Jersey Legends, Campfire Studios & Axios Media Producing|url=https://deadline.com/2024/01/prime-video-lsu-docuseries-the-money-game-nil-college-sports-shaquille-oneal-1235804111/|last=Hayes|first=Dade|website=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 25, 2024|access-date=January 25, 2024}}</ref>
==NBA career statistics==
Line 734 ⟶ 739:
| 37 || 36 || 20.3 || '''.667''' || .000 || .557 || 4.8 || .7 || .4 || 1.1 || 9.2
|- class="sortbottom"
| 1,207 || 1,197 || 34.7 || .582 || .045 || .527 || 10.9 || 2.5 || .6 || 2.3 || 23.7
|- class="sortbottom"
| 12 || 9 || 22.8 || .551 || .000 || .452 || 8.1 || 1.4 || 1.1 || 1.6 || 16.8
{{S-end}}
Line 832 ⟶ 817:
| 2 || 0 || 6.0 || .500 || .000 || .000 || .0 || .5 || .5 || .0 || 1.0
|- class="sortbottom"
| 216 || 214 || 37.5 || .563 || .000 || .504 || 11.6 || 2.7 || .5 || 2.1 || 24.3
▲{{S-end}}
==Awards and honors==
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'''Academy Awards'''
* 2022 – Short Subject Documentary (as an executive producer of ''[[The Queen of Basketball]]'')<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-28 |title=Shaq, Steph win Oscars for 'Queen of Basketball' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/33611796/shaquille-oneal-stephen-curry-win-oscars-producers-queen-basketball-documentary
'''Halls of Fame'''
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*''[[You Can't Stop the Reign]]'' (1996)
*''[[Respect (Shaquille O'Neal album)|Respect]]'' (1998)
*''Gorilla Warfare'' (
===Unreleased albums===
Line 1,222 ⟶ 1,197:
| 1994
| scope=row|''[[Shaq Fu]]''
| rowspan="2" | Shaq Fei Hung
|
| <ref name="shaq fu">{{Cite web |date=2014-03-06 |title=Shaq seeking redemption for 'Shaq Fu' |url=https://www.sportsnet.ca/basketball/nba/shaq-seeking-redemption-for-shaq-fu/ |access-date=2024-05-28 |website=Sportsnet|agency=Associated Press}}</ref>
|-
| 2018
| scope=row|''[[Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn]]''
|
| <ref name="shaq fu" />
Line 1,361 ⟶ 1,335:
[[Category:American men's basketball players]]
[[Category:American municipal police officers]]
[[Category:American Prince Hall Freemasons]]
[[Category:American businesspeople in real estate]]
Line 1,378 ⟶ 1,351:
[[Category:Esports team owners]]
[[Category:FIBA Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:FIBA World
[[Category:Interscope Records artists]]
[[Category:Jive Records artists]]
Line 1,397 ⟶ 1,370:
[[Category:National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame inductees]]
[[Category:NBA All-Stars]]
[[Category:NBA championship–winning players]]
[[Category:NBA broadcasters]]
[[Category:First overall NBA draft picks]]
Line 1,415 ⟶ 1,389:
[[Category:S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications alumni]]
[[Category:Sacramento Kings owners]]
[[Category:Television personalities from New Jersey]]
[[Category:Television personalities from Texas]]
| |||