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NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal was not only the greatest player in Lakers history but also one of the greatest to ever play the game. He led the Lakers to three consecutive titles alongside Kobe Bryant, earning three Finals MVPs and a league MVP award during that time. Shaq’s accolades highlight his dominance from the late 90s to the early 2000s.
In honor of his time in L.A., the Lakers have unveiled a statue of Shaquille O’Neal outside the Crypto.com Arena. Unlike other Hall of Famers whose statues depict signature moves or jump shots, Shaq’s statue showcases one of his iconic dunks. This unique bronze statue is mounted on the side of the building. The design of the statue required approval from the Lakers before its installation, the struggle of which Shaq threw light on recently.
When they did my statue in LA, I was like; I don't want a statue in front. I want my goddamn Dunkman hanging off the side of the building. And for years we fought on that. So if you go to LA Staples Center (now Crypto.com arena), you see my Dunkman emblem, knees up, n--- out, on the side of the building. You got people taking pictures... Shaquille O’Neal said via ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq’
Despite the challenges, the effort to honor Shaquille O’Neal with a unique statue was worthwhile. In the end, O’Neal’s statue became one of the most distinctive in sports. Furthermore, the former four-time champion’s statue was later joined by that of his teammate.
Shaquille O’Neal’s statue isn’t the only masterpiece to witness in Lakers stadium
The Crypto.com arena, home of the Lakers, boasts numerous monumental statues honoring basketball players, boxers, commentators, and American sports icons. Among these, Kobe Bryant‘s 19-foot bronze statue, unveiled on February 8 this year, stands as the largest. This statue commemorates Bryant’s legacy, featuring his 81-point performance score sheet.
Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal formed one of the greatest duos in NBA history, each earning their own statue outside the arena. Other Lakers legends like Magic Johnson, Jerry West, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also have statues on display, celebrating their contributions to the franchise and the sport.
As the torch passes to the current generation of players, fans may anticipate a statue of LeBron James gracing the arena in the future.
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