Editing Shaquille O'Neal (section)

===Los Angeles Lakers (1996–2004)===
====O'Neal–Bryant tandem buildup (1996–1999)====
[[File:Lipofsky Shaquille O'Neal.jpg|thumb|In eight seasons with the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] from 1996 to 2004, O'Neal won three consecutive championships from [[2000 NBA Finals|2000]] to [[2002 NBA Finals|2002]] and appeared in the [[2004 NBA Finals]].]]
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&nbsp;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&nbsp;million contract.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/19960718/2339914/nba----lakers-sign-oneal-raise-ticket-prices |title=NBA – Lakers Sign O'Neal Raise Ticket Prices |date=July 18, 1996 |agency=Associated Press |newspaper=The Seattle Times |access-date=May 29, 2009 |archive-date=August 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170827002326/http://community.seattletimes.nwsource.com/archive/?date=19960718&slug=2339914 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1370&dat=19960720&id=8WUVAAAAIBAJ&pg=3531,3152523 |title=Shaq signs multi-million contract with LA Lakers |work=[[Manila Standard]] |date=July 20, 1996 |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=February 21, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220221163145/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1370&dat=19960720&id=8WUVAAAAIBAJ&pg=3531,3152523 |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Neal insisted he did not choose Los Angeles for the money; discussing the signing he referred to a couple of his product endorsements, saying: "I'm tired of hearing about money, money, money, money, money. I just want to play the game, drink [[Pepsi]], wear [[Reebok]]."<ref>{{cite news |last=Araton |first=Harvey |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/19/sports/sports-of-the-times-shaq-is-now-california-dreamin.html |title=Sports of The Times;Shaq Is Now California Dreamin' |quote=So is greed, Michael Douglas once argued as Gordon Gekko, though O'Neal's changing coasts and uniforms is not about money. We repeat: not about money. |date=July 19, 1996 |newspaper=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100802133503/http://www.nytimes.com/1996/07/19/sports/sports-of-the-times-shaq-is-now-california-dreamin.html |archive-date=August 2, 2010 |access-date=November 15, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Elliot|first=Stuart|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/04/business/the-media-business-advertising-addenda-sports-products-deal-for-shaquille-o-neal.html|title=Sports Products Deal For Shaquille O'Neal |quote=The athlete's other product agreements include Pepsi-Cola and Reebok. |date=November 4, 1993|newspaper=The New York Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101130122922/http://www.nytimes.com/1993/11/04/business/the-media-business-advertising-addenda-sports-products-deal-for-shaquille-o-neal.html |archive-date=November 30, 2010 |access-date=November 15, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Neal switched his jersey to No. 34 on the Lakers, as the No. 32 jersey he had worn in Orlando was retired in honor of [[Magic Johnson]], and the No. 33 jersey he had worn at LSU was retired in honor of [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]]. The No. 34 jersey was also in honor of his stepfather, who wore that number in the [[United States Army|Army]].<ref>{{Cite web |last=Archives |first=L. A. Times |date=1996-07-19 |title=Shaquille O'Neal will wear No. 34 as... |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1996-07-19-sp-25856-story.html |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US}}</ref> The Lakers won 56 games during the [[1996–97 NBA season|1996–97 season]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=1996-97 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1997.html |access-date=2023-01-11 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en |archive-date=January 11, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230111173132/https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1997.html |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Neal averaged 26.2 points and 12.5 rebounds in his first season with Los Angeles; however, he again missed over 30 games due to injury.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Clifton |title=Injury to O'Neal is a Blow to Lakers |url=https://www.nytimes.com/1997/02/14/sports/injury-to-o-neal-is-a-blow-to-lakers.html |access-date=May 5, 2024 |work=New York Times |date=February 14, 1997}}</ref> The Lakers made the playoffs, but were eliminated in the second round by the [[Utah Jazz]] in five games.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19961997.html | title= 1997 Playoff Results | website= NBA.com | access-date= December 29, 2010 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100420014909/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19961997.html | archive-date= April 20, 2010 }}</ref> In his first playoff game for the Lakers, O'Neal scored 46 points against the [[Portland Trail Blazers]],<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaquille O'Neal MONSTER LAL Playoffs Debut 1997 vs. Blazers |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fI8bDq3x7Fg |website=Youtube | date=March 26, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> the most for the Lakers in a playoff game since [[Jerry West]] had 53 in [[1968–69 Los Angeles Lakers season|1969]]. On December 17, 1996, O'Neal shoved [[Dennis Rodman]] of the [[Chicago Bulls]]; Rodman's teammates [[Scottie Pippen]] and [[Michael Jordan]] restrained Rodman and prevented further conflict.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dennis Rodman vs Shaq Fight |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjqL7bFTsIw |website=Youtube | date=September 19, 2014 |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> The ''[[Los Angeles Daily News]]'' reported that O'Neal was willing to be suspended for fighting Rodman, and O'Neal said: "It's one thing to talk tough and one thing to be tough."<ref>{{cite news|last=Stein|first=Marc|title=O'Neal wanted to pack more offensive punch|url=http://www.thefreelibrary.com/O%27NEAL+WANTED+TO+PACK+MORE+OFFENSIVE+PUNCH.-a084036430|access-date=April 26, 2011|newspaper=[[Los Angeles Daily News]]|date=December 19, 1996|via=thefreelibrary.com|archive-date=December 8, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131208184117/http://www.thefreelibrary.com/O%27NEAL+WANTED+TO+PACK+MORE+OFFENSIVE+PUNCH.-a084036430}}</ref>

The [[1997–98 NBA season|following season]], O'Neal averaged 28.3 points and 11.4 rebounds. He led the league with a 58.4 field goal percentage, the first of four consecutive seasons in which he did so.<ref name="br">{{cite web |title=Shaquille O'Neal Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Draft status, and more |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/onealsh01.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> The Lakers finished the season 61–21, first in the [[Pacific Division (NBA)|Pacific Division]],<ref>{{cite web |title=1997-98 Los Angeles Lakers Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/1998.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> and were the second seed in the western conference during the [[1998 NBA Playoffs]]. After defeating the [[Portland Trail Blazers]] and [[Seattle SuperSonics]] in the first two rounds, the Lakers again fell to the Jazz, this time in a 4–0 sweep.<ref>{{cite web | url= http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19971998.html | title= 1998 Playoff Results | website= NBA.com | access-date= June 17, 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100523151701/http://www.nba.com/history/playoffs/19971998.html | archive-date= May 23, 2010 }}</ref>

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]] 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.

====MVP and championship seasons (1999–2002)====
[[File:Shaq1 2000finals3.tif|thumb|O'Neal with the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] during Game 5 of the [[2000 NBA Finals]]]]
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 [[Los Angeles Clippers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200003060LAC.html|title=Los Angeles Lakers at Los Angeles Clippers Box Score, March 6, 2000|publisher=Basketball-Reference|access-date=January 27, 2020|archive-date=January 27, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200127101444/https://www.basketball-reference.com/boxscores/200003060LAC.html|url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neal's 61-point game was the last game in NBA history that a player [[List of NBA single-game scoring leaders|scored 60 or more points]] without hitting a 3-pointer until [[Giannis Antetokounmpo]] scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers on December 13, 2023.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=nba+players+with+60%2B+points+in+a+game+with+%3D0+3pm|title=NBA Players with 60% 2b Points in a Game With%3d0 3pm|access-date=November 25, 2021|archive-date=November 25, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211125031841/https://www.statmuse.com/nba/ask?q=nba+players+with+60%2B+points+in+a+game+with+%3D0+3pm|url-status=live}}</ref>

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>

In the [[2001 NBA Finals]] against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Game 3 backing over [[Dikembe Mutombo]], the 2000–2001 [[NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award|Defensive Player of the Year]]. "I didn't think the best defensive player in the game would be [[flop (basketball)|flopping]] like that. It's a shame that the referees buy into that", O'Neal said. "I wish he'd stand up and play me like a man instead of flopping and crying every time I back him down.<ref>{{cite news |url= http://amarillo.com/stories/2001/06/11/spo_nbafinals.shtml |title=Lakers hold off Sixers, 96–91 |quote=The 76ers trailed from the second quarter on and missed their one and only chance to tie the game when Allen Iverson could make only one of two free throws with 2:06 left – 15 seconds after O'Neal drew his sixth foul for backing over Dikembe Mutombo. |date=June 11, 2001 |newspaper= Amarillo Globe-News |agency= Associated Press |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110622024447/http://amarillo.com/stories/2001/06/11/spo_nbafinals.shtml |archive-date= June 22, 2011 |access-date=November 9, 2010 }}</ref>

A month before the {{NBA Year|2001|app=season's}} training camp, O'Neal had corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in the smallest toe of his left foot.<ref name=brown/> He opted against a more involved surgery to return quicker.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 153.</ref> He was ready for the start of the 2001–02 regular season, but the toe frequently bothered him.<ref name=brown>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Tim |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-14-sp-shaq14-story.html |title=O'Neal Surgery Is Likely |quote=A month before last training camp he had surgery to correct a claw toe deformity in the smallest toe of his left foot. |date=August 14, 2002 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209005657/http://articles.latimes.com/print/2002/aug/14/sports/sp-shaq14 |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |access-date=November 17, 2010 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In January 2002, he was involved in a spectacular on-court brawl in a game against the Chicago Bulls. He punched center [[Brad Miller (basketball)|Brad Miller]] after an intentional foul to prevent a basket, resulting in a melee with Miller, forward [[Charles Oakley]], and several other players.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/01/13/shaq_punches_ap/ |title=Shaq to be sacked |date=January 13, 2002 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=October 11, 2008 |archive-date=March 12, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110312224102/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2002/01/13/shaq_punches_ap/ }}</ref> O'Neal was suspended for three games without pay and fined $15,000.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C02E3D61238F935A25752C0A9649C8B63 |title=Sports of The Times; N.B.A. Needs To Hit Shaq Much Harder |first=Ira |last=Berkow |date=January 16, 2002 |work=The New York Times |access-date=February 18, 2017 |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232017/https://www.nytimes.com/2002/01/16/sports/sports-of-the-times-nba-needs-to-hit-shaq-much-harder.html |url-status=live }}</ref> For the season, O'Neal averaged 27.2 points and 10.7 rebounds, excellent statistics but below his career average; he was less of a defensive force during the season.<ref name = brown/>

Matched up against the [[Sacramento Kings]] in the [[2002 NBA Playoffs#Conference finals|2002 Western Conference finals]], O'Neal said, "There is only one way to beat us. It starts with c and ends with t." O'Neal meant "cheat" in reference to the alleged flopping of Kings' center [[Vlade Divac]]. O'Neal referred to Divac as "she", and said he would never exaggerate contact to draw a foul. "I'm a guy with no talent who has gotten this way with hard work."<ref>{{cite news 
 |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2002/06/03/center-stage-trading-blows-and-barbs-big-men-vlade-divac-and-shaquille-oneal-have-turned-the-western-finals-into-comic-opera
 |first=Jack 
 |last=McCallum 
 |author-link=Jack McCallum 
 |title=Trading blows and barbs, big men Vlade Divac and Shaquille O'Neal have turned the Western finals into comic opera 
 |quote=There was some head-scratching before it was divined that O'Neal meant "cheat" and not something either X-rated or far out, like "covenant" or "coronet". 
 |date=June 3, 2002 |magazine=Sports Illustrated 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101020203051/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1025910/index.htm
 |archive-date=October 20, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=live
}}</ref> 
After the 2001–2002 season, O'Neal told friends that he did not want another season of limping and being in virtually constant pain from his big right toe.<ref>{{cite web |last=Plaschke |first=Bill |title=Shaq Becomes Center of Tension |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-aug-23-sp-plachke23-story.html |website= [[Los Angeles Times]] |access-date=May 11, 2025}}</ref> His trademark mobility and explosion had been often absent. The corrective options ranged from [[reconstructive surgery]] on the toe to rehabilitation exercises with more shoe inserts and [[inflammation|anti-inflammation]] medication. O'Neal was already wary of the long-term damage his frequent consumption of these medications might have. He did not want to rush a decision with his career potentially at risk.<ref name=brown/>

Using Jackson's [[triangle offense]], O'Neal and Bryant enjoyed tremendous success, leading the Lakers to three consecutive titles (2000, 2001, and 2002).<ref>{{cite web |title=NBA Champions by Year: Complete list of NBA Finals winners |url=https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/nba-champions-by-year-complete-list-of-nba-finals-winners |website=FOX Sports |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> O'Neal was named [[Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|MVP of the NBA Finals]] all three times<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Staff |first1=SI |title=NBA Finals MVPs: The Complete List of Winners |url=https://www.si.com/nba/2022/06/16/nba-finals-mvp-photos-michael-jordan-magic-johnson-lebron-james#:~:text=Shaquille%20O'Neal%20(2000%2C%202001%2C%202002)&text=He%20never%20averaged%20less%20than,his%20three%20Finals%20MVP%20runs. |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=June 17, 2022 |access-date=May 5, 2024}}</ref> and had the highest scoring average for a center in NBA Finals history.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.behindthebench.org/oneals/ |title=消費者金融を低金利で利用するには |access-date=June 16, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150904125915/http://www.behindthebench.org/oneals/ |archive-date=September 4, 2015}}. Retrieved June 17, 2015.</ref>

====Toe surgery to departure (2002–2004)====
O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the [[2002–03 NBA season|2002–03 season]] recovering from toe surgery.<ref name=nbabio>{{cite web | url = http://www.nba.com/playerfile/shaquille_oneal/bio.html | title = Shaquille O'Neal Bio Page | access-date = June 1, 2011 | website = NBA.com | quote = sat out the first 12 games of the season (Oct.&nbsp;29-Nov. 22) on the Injured List recovering from off-season foot surgery | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110226104304/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/shaquille_oneal/bio.html | archive-date = February 26, 2011 }}</ref> He was sidelined with [[hallux rigidus]], a degenerative arthritis in his toe.<ref name=oneal2011_p155>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 155.</ref> He waited the whole summer until just before training camp for the surgery and explained, "I got hurt on company time, so I'll heal on company time."<ref name=ventre>{{cite news | first = Mark | last = Ventre | title = It looks like Shaq's reshuffling Heat house | date = December 12, 2005 | url = http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/10439131/ | work = NBCSports.com | access-date = October 13, 2010 | quote = Remember, this is the same Shaquille O'Neal who, while with the Lakers, once waited all summer to have his injured toe operated on, then did so just before training camp and explained, "I got hurt on company time, so I'll heal on company time." | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121010021345/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/10439131/ | archive-date = October 10, 2012 }}</ref> O'Neal debated whether to have a more invasive surgery that would have kept him out an additional three months, but he opted against the more involved procedure.<ref name=oneal2011_p155/> The Lakers started the season with a record of 11–19.<ref name="BR2003">{{cite web | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2003_games.html | title = 2002–03 Los Angeles Lakers Schedule and Results | access-date = October 13, 2010 | work = basketball-reference.com | archive-date = September 10, 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100910070604/http://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/LAL/2003_games.html | url-status = live }}</ref> At the end of the season, the Lakers had fallen to the fifth seed and failed to reach the Finals in 2003.<ref name="BR2003" />

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&nbsp;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>