Shaquille O’Neal Announces Retirement [VIDEO]
Shaquille O'Neal, one of the most dominating and entertaining centers in NBA history, has announced his retirement. Never one to shy from the limelight, the star broke the news in a short video he made.
O'Neal was the No. 1 overall pick in 1992 draft by the Orlando Magic and he went on to a surefire Hall of Fame career that more than lived up to the expectations heaped on him during his two seasons as a star at LSU. He left Orlando as a free agent in 1996 and went on to win three championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, as well as endure a rocky relationship with teammate and fellow star Kobe Bryant.
In 2004, the duo's power struggle resulted in O'Neal being traded to the Miami Heat, with whom he would go on to win a fourth and final title in 2006.
In addition to his collection of championship rings, O'Neal won one MVP award and three Finals MVP awards. He led the league in scoring twice and retires as the NBA's fifth all-time leading scorer.
Over the course of his 19-year career, O'Neal also played for the Suns, Cavaliers and Celtics, with whom he played this past season, although injuries limited him. In addition, O'Neal played on the 1996 Gold medal-winning U.S. Olympic basketball team.
O'Neal, 39, was also one of the rare athletes who managed to transcend his sport. A charismatic character, his personality would grow taller than his seven-foot frame and his popularity helped him land record deals and earn starring roles in movies.
Now that he's retired, we can only assume it will be a matter of time before someone whips up a script for 'Kazaam 2.'
[ESPN.com]