Editing Shaquille O'Neal

{{Short description|American basketball player and analyst (born 1972)}}
{{Redirect2|Shaquille|Shaq||Shaquille (disambiguation)| and |Shaq (disambiguation)}}
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{{Infobox basketball biography
| name = Shaquille O'Neal
| image = TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 - Day 1 (cropped).jpg
| caption = O'Neal in 2023
| alt = Head and shoulders photograph of O'Neal smiling and holding a microphone
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1972|3|6}}
| birth_place = [[Newark, New Jersey]], U.S.
| height = 7 ft 1 in<ref name="Stats">{{cite web |url=https://www.nba.com/stats/player/406/career/ |title=Shaquille O'Neal {{pipe}} Stats |work=NBA.com |date=1972-03-06 |access-date=2022-02-13 |archive-date=February 12, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220212111748/https://www.nba.com/stats/player/406/career/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| weight = 325 lb<ref name="Stats"/>
| high_school = * {{nowrap|[[Fulda American High School|Fulda American]]}} ([[Fulda|Fulda, Germany]])
* [[Robert G. Cole Junior-Senior High School|Robert G. Cole]] ([[San Antonio, Texas]])
| college = [[LSU Tigers men's basketball|LSU]] (1989–1992)
| draft_year = 1992
| draft_round = 1
| draft_pick = 1
| draft_team = [[Orlando Magic]]
| draft_league = NBA
| career_start = 1992
| career_end = 2011
| career_position = [[Center (basketball)|Center]]
| career_number = 32, 34, 33, 36
| years1 = {{nbay|1992|start}}–{{nbay|1995|end}}
| team1 = [[Orlando Magic]]
| years2 = {{nbay|1996|start}}–{{nbay|2003|end}}
| team2 = [[Los Angeles Lakers]]
| years3 = {{nbay|2004|start}}–{{nbay|2007|end}}
| team3 = [[Miami Heat]]
| years4 = {{nbay|2007|end}}–{{nbay|2008|end}}
| team4 = [[Phoenix Suns]]
| years5 = {{nbay|2009|full=y}}
| team5 = [[Cleveland Cavaliers]]
| years6 = {{nbay|2010|full=y}}
| team6 = [[Boston Celtics]]
| highlights = * 4× [[List of NBA champions|NBA champion]] ({{nbafy|2000}}–{{nbafy|2002}}, {{nbafy|2006}})
* 3× [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] ({{nbafy|2000}}–{{nbafy|2002}})
* [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]] ({{nbay|1999|end}})
* 15× [[List of NBA All-Stars|NBA All-Star]] ({{nasg|1993}}–{{nasg|1998}}, {{nasg|2000}}–{{nasg|2007}}, {{nasg|2009}})
* 3× [[NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award|NBA All-Star Game MVP]] ({{nasg|2000}}{{efn|co-MVP along with [[Tim Duncan]]}}, {{nasg|2004}}, {{nasg|2009}}{{efn|co-MVP along with [[Kobe Bryant]]}})
* 8× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA First Team]] ({{nbay|1997|end}}, {{nbay|1999|end}}–{{nbay|2005|end}})
* 2× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|1994|end}}, {{nbay|1998|end}})
* 4× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Third Team]] ({{nbay|1993|end}}, {{nbay|1995|end}}, {{nbay|1996|end}}, {{nbay|2008|end}})
* 3× [[NBA All-Defensive Team|NBA All-Defensive Second Team]] ({{nbay|1999|end}}, {{nbay|2000|end}}, {{nbay|2002|end}})
* [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] ({{nbay|1992|end}})
* [[NBA All-Rookie Team|NBA All-Rookie First Team]] ({{nbay|1992|end}})
* 2× [[List of NBA annual scoring leaders|NBA scoring champion]] ({{nbay|1994|end}}, {{nbay|1999|end}})
* [[NBA anniversary teams|NBA anniversary team]] ([[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|50th]], [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th]])
* {{abbr|No.|Number}} 34 [[Los Angeles Lakers#Retired numbers|retired by Los Angeles Lakers]]
* No. 32 [[Miami Heat#Retired numbers|retired by Miami Heat]]
* No. 32 [[Orlando Magic#Retired numbers|retired by Orlando Magic]]
* [[Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year|Associated Press Player of the Year]] (1991)
* [[UPI College Basketball Player of the Year|UPI Player of the Year]] (1991)
* [[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]])
* [[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]])
* [[USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year]] (1994)
* [[McDonald's All-American Game|McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP]] ([[1989 McDonald's All-American Boys Game|1989]])
* First-team [[Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team|''Parade'' All-American]] (1989)
* [[Texas Mr. Basketball]] (1989)
| stat1label = [[Point (basketball)|Points]]
| stat1value = 28,596 (23.7 ppg)
| stat2label = [[Rebound (basketball)|Rebounds]]
| stat2value = 13,099 (10.9 rpg)
| stat3label = [[Block (basketball)|Blocks]]
| stat3value = 2,732 (2.3 bpg)
| HOF_player = shaquille-oneal
| FIBA_HOF_player = Shaquille-O-Neal
| CBBASKHOF_year = 2014
| medal_templates = {{MedalSport|Men's [[basketball]]}}
{{MedalCountry|the {{USA}}}}
{{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 Championship]]}}
{{MedalGold|[[1994 FIBA World Championship|1994 Toronto]]|Team competition}}
}}
'''Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal''' ({{IPAc-en|ʃ|ə|ˈ|k|iː|l}} {{respell|shə|KEEL|'}}; born March 6, 1972), commonly known as '''Shaq''' ({{IPAc-en|ʃ|æ|k}} {{respell|SHAK|'}}), is an American former professional [[basketball]] player who is a [[sports analyst]] on the television program ''[[Inside the NBA]]''. He is a {{convert|7|ft|1|in|adj=on}} and {{convert|325|lb|kg|adj=on}} [[Center (basketball)|center]] who played for six teams over his 19-year career in the [[National Basketball Association]] (NBA) and is a four-time [[List of NBA champions|NBA champion]]. O'Neal is regarded as one of the greatest{{under discussion inline|talkpage=WT:NBA#Discussion on allowing "greatest" in the lead of all NBA players}} basketball players and centers of all time.<ref>Multiple sources:
*{{cite web |date=February 17, 2017 |title=CBS Sports' 50 greatest NBA players of all time: Where do LeBron, Curry rank? |url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cbs-sports-50-greatest-nba-players-of-all-time-where-do-lebron-curry-rank/ |access-date=December 18, 2017 |website=CBS Sports |language=en |archive-date=December 6, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181206085019/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/cbs-sports-50-greatest-nba-players-of-all-time-where-do-lebron-curry-rank/ |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web |date=February 9, 2016 |title=All-Time #NBArank: Shaq comes in at No. 9 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank9/all-nbarank-9 |access-date=December 18, 2017 |website=ESPN |archive-date=April 6, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406103847/http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/page/nbarank9/all-nbarank-9 |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web|title=SLAM 500 Greatest NBA Players of All Time {{!}} Basketball-Reference.com|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/slam_500_greatest.html|access-date=December 18, 2017|website=Basketball-Reference.com|language=en|archive-date=May 14, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514035754/https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/slam_500_greatest.html}}
*{{cite web |last=Bailey |first=Andy |date=September 25, 2019 |title=NBA All-Time Player Rankings: Top 10 Centers |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2853668-nba-all-time-player-rankings-top-10-centers |access-date=April 19, 2021 |website=Bleacher Report |language=en |archive-date=November 11, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201111185106/https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2853668-nba-all-time-player-rankings-top-10-centers |url-status=live }}
*{{cite web |last1=Bailey |first1=Andy |title=Ranking the Top 50 NBA Playoff Performers of All Time |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10124068-ranking-the-top-50-nba-playoff-performers-of-all-time |website=[[Bleacher Report]] |access-date=June 22, 2024 |date=June 18, 2024 }}</ref>

After playing [[college basketball]] for the [[LSU Tigers men's basketball|LSU Tigers]], O'Neal was selected by the [[Orlando Magic]] with the [[List of first overall NBA draft picks|first overall pick]] in the [[1992 NBA draft]]. He quickly became one of the best centers in the league, winning [[NBA Rookie of the Year]] in [[1992–93 NBA season|1992–93]] and leading his team to the [[1995 NBA Finals]]. After four years with the Magic, O'Neal signed as a [[free agent]] with the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]. They won [[Three-peat|three consecutive championships]] in [[2000 NBA Finals|2000]], [[2001 NBA Finals|2001]], and [[2002 NBA Finals|2002]]. Amid a [[Shaq–Kobe feud|feud]] between O'Neal and his teammate [[Kobe Bryant]], O'Neal was traded to the [[Miami Heat]] in [[2004–05 NBA season|2004]], and his fourth NBA championship followed in [[2006 NBA Finals|2006]]. Midway through the [[2007–08 NBA season|2007–2008 season]] he was traded to the [[Phoenix Suns]]. After a season-and-a-half with the Suns, O'Neal was traded to the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] in the [[2009–10 NBA season|2009–10 season]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://latimes.com/la-spw-shaq26-2009jun26-test,0,271183.story |title=Shaquille O'Neal traded to Cleveland Cavaliers for 3 players, cash |work=Los Angeles Times |access-date=May 23, 2010 |first= Mark |last= Heisler |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090628085424/http://www.latimes.com/la-spw-shaq26-2009jun26-test%2C0%2C271183.story |archive-date=June 28, 2009 }}</ref> O'Neal played for the [[Boston Celtics]] in the [[2010–11 NBA season|2010–11 season]] before retiring.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/celtics/2010-08-04-shaquille-oneal_N.htm|title=Void filled: 15-time All-Star Shaquille O'Neal to Celtics|date=August 5, 2010|first=Jeff|last=Zillgitt|work=USA Today|access-date=March 15, 2011|archive-date=June 28, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110628232653/http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/celtics/2010-08-04-shaquille-oneal_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref>

O'Neal's individual accolades include the 1999–2000 [[NBA Most Valuable Player|Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award]]; the 1992–93 [[NBA Rookie of the Year]] award; 15 [[NBA All-Star Game|All-Star Game]] selections, three [[NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player|All-Star Game MVP award]]s; three [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player|Finals MVP]] awards; two [[List of NBA annual scoring leaders|scoring titles]]; 14 [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA team]] selections, and three [[NBA All-Defensive Team]] selections. He is one of only three players to win NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards in the same year (2000); the other players are [[Willis Reed]] in [[1969–70 NBA season|1970]] and [[Michael Jordan]] in [[1995–96 NBA season|1996]] and [[1997–98 NBA season|1998]]. He ranks 9th all-time [[List of NBA career scoring leaders|in points scored]], 6th [[Field goal (basketball)|in field goals]], 15th [[List of NBA career rebounding leaders|in rebounds]], and 8th [[List of NBA career blocks leaders|in blocks]]. O'Neal was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the [[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|NBA 50th Anniversary Team]] in 1996.<ref>{{cite web|access-date=January 9, 2022|title=NBA at 50: Top 50 Players|url=https://www.nba.com/history/nba-at-50/top-50-players|website=NBA.com|archive-date=November 14, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171114192212/https://www.nba.com/history/nba-at-50/top-50-players|url-status=live}}</ref> Due to his ability to [[slam dunk|dunk]] the basketball and score from close range, O'Neal also had a 58.2% career field goal percentage and led the league in field goal percentage ten times.<ref name=brstats>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/onealsh01.html|title=Shaquille O'Neal NBA & ABA Statistics|publisher=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=August 1, 2011|archive-date=January 1, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210101170117/https://www.basketball-reference.com/players/o/onealsh01.html}}</ref> O'Neal was elected into the [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] in 2016.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hoophall.com/news/2016/4/4/naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2016-anno.html |title= Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Class of 2016 Announcement presented by Haggar Clothing Company |work= Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame |date=April 4, 2016 |access-date=April 4, 2016 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160407121028/http://www.hoophall.com/news/2016/4/4/naismith-memorial-basketball-hall-of-fame-class-of-2016-anno.html |archive-date=April 7, 2016 }}</ref> He was elected to the [[FIBA Hall of Fame]] in 2017.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 23, 2017 |title=Dream Team, Shaq and Kukoc headline 2017 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame Inductees |url=http://www.fiba.basketball/news/dream-team-shaq-and-kukoc-headline-2017-class-of-fiba-hall-of-fame-inductees |access-date=2021-08-03 |website=FIBA.basketball |archive-date=March 12, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312015928/http://www.fiba.basketball/news/dream-team-shaq-and-kukoc-headline-2017-class-of-fiba-hall-of-fame-inductees |url-status=live }}</ref> In October 2021, O'Neal was again honored as one of the&nbsp;league's greatest players of all time by being named to the&nbsp;[[NBA 75th Anniversary Team]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nba.com/75 |title=NBA's 75 Anniversary Team Players |work=NBA.com |date=2021-12-25 |access-date=2022-02-13 |archive-date=February 17, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220217170248/https://www.nba.com/75 }}</ref>

In addition to his basketball career, O'Neal has released four [[rapping|rap]] albums, with his first, ''[[Shaq Diesel]]'', going [[Music recording certification|platinum]]. O'Neal is also an electronic music producer, and touring DJ, known as Diesel.<ref>{{cite web |last=Greenburg |first=Zack |date=July 31, 2018 |title=How Shaq Became The Biggest DJ On The Planet |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2018/07/31/how-shaq-became-the-biggest-dj-on-the-planet/#4b8fe58c2252 |access-date=2021-07-31 |website=Forbes |archive-date=May 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190522005430/https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2018/07/31/how-shaq-became-the-biggest-dj-on-the-planet/#4b8fe58c2252 |url-status=live }}</ref> He has appeared in numerous films and has starred in his own [[reality show]]s, ''[[Shaq's Big Challenge]]'' and ''[[Shaq Vs.]]'' He hosts ''The Big Podcast with Shaq''.<ref>{{cite web| url= http://www.podcastone.com/the-big-podcast-with-shaq/| via= podcastone.com| work= The Big Podcast with Shaq| title= Homepage| access-date= July 14, 2017| archive-date= July 17, 2017| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170717150335/http://podcastone.com/the-big-podcast-with-shaq| url-status= live}}</ref> He was a minority owner of the [[Sacramento Kings]] from 2013 to 2022 and is the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming of the [[NBA 2K League]].<ref name="ThePostGame">{{Cite news|url=http://www.thepostgame.com/kings-guard-gaming-shaquille-oneal-first-gm|title=Kings Guard Gaming Names Shaquille O'Neal First General Manager|date=April 2, 2018|work=ThePostGame|access-date=April 4, 2018|language=en-US|archive-date=June 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610201024/http://www.thepostgame.com/kings-guard-gaming-shaquille-oneal-first-gm|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Early life==
[[File:Shaquille O'Neal - Cole High School 1989.jpg|thumb|O'Neal playing for [[Robert G. Cole Junior-Senior High School|Cole High School]] varsity basketball team in [[San Antonio]], Texas, in 1989]]
Shaquille Rashaun 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|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 news |last1=Quinn |first1=Brendan |title='I had never seen anything like him': Shaquille O'Neal's recruitment was from another time - inside an extraordinary arrival |work=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/2561725/2021/05/11/i-had-never-seen-anything-like-him-shaquille-oneals-recruitment-was-from-another-time-inside-an-extraordinary-arrival/ |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> He credited the [[Boys & Girls Clubs of America]] in Newark with giving him a safe place to play and keeping him off the streets. "It gave me something to do," he said. "I'd just go there to shoot. I didn't even play on a team."<ref>{{cite web|last=Ryan |first=Michael |title=Where They Gave Me A Chance |work=Parade |url=http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2000/edition_02-13-2000/Boys_And_Girls_Clubs |date=February 13, 2000 |access-date=March 21, 2006 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20060628074957/http://www.parade.com/articles/editions/2000/edition_02-13-2000/Boys_And_Girls_Clubs |archive-date= June 28, 2006}}</ref> Because of his stepfather's career in the military, the family left Newark, moving to military bases in [[Germany]] and [[Texas]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.army.mil/article/122380/Shaq_sets_bar_high_for_Young_Lives__BIG_Stories_campaign/ |title=Shaq Sets Bar High for Young Lives, BIG Stories Campaign |publisher=United States Army |website=Army.mil |date=April 2014 |access-date=February 23, 2016 |archive-date=September 11, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170911071825/https://www.army.mil/article/122380/Shaq_sets_bar_high_for_Young_Lives__BIG_Stories_campaign |url-status=live }}</ref>

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>  Cole High retired O'Neal's {{abbr|No.|Number}} 33 in 2014.<ref>{{cite news|first=David|last=Flores|title=Shaq relishes return to Cole to retire his jersey|date=March 7, 2014|newspaper=USA Today|url=https://www.usatodayhss.com/2014/david-flores-shaq-relishes-return-to-cole-to-retire-his-jersey|access-date=March 27, 2025}}</ref> According to O'Neal, he wanted to wear 33 because he had made a [[Hook shot|sky hook]] and received comparisons to [[Kareem Abdul-Jabbar]], who wore 33.<ref name= number>{{cite news| url= https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1992/08/25/shaquille-shows-class-in-switching-to-no-32/ |title= Shaquille Shows Class In Switching To No. 32| first= Brian | last= Schmitz| work= [[Orlando Sentinel]] | date= August 25, 1992| access-date= July 14, 2017| url-status= live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908065336/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1992-08-25/sports/9208250132_1_shaq-catledge-oneal|archive-date=September 8, 2017}}</ref> In 2021, O'Neal's said his admiration for [[Patrick Ewing]] inspired him to wear 33.<ref name="Number33">{{cite web |last=Ganglani |first=Nicole |date=November 8, 2022 |title='I Wore 33 in High School and College Because of You' {{endash}} When Shaquille O'Neal Told Patrick Ewing That He Was His Favorite Player |website=basketballnetwork.net |url=https://www.basketballnetwork.net/old-school/when-shaquille-oneal-told-patrick-ewing-that-he-was-his-favorite-player |access-date=March 26, 2025 }}</ref>

==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==
===Orlando Magic (1992–1996)===
====Rookie of the Year (1992–1993)====
The [[Orlando Magic]] selected O'Neal with the [[List of NBA first overall draft picks|1st overall pick]] in the [[1992 NBA draft]]. In the summer before moving to [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]], he spent time in Los Angeles under the tutelage of Hall of Famer [[Magic Johnson]].<ref>Luke, Chelsea. (April 28, 2015). [http://universe.byu.edu/2015/04/28/college-triple-double-header-kyle-collinsworth-versus-shaquille-oneal/ "College triple-double header: Kyle Collinsworth versus Shaquille O'Neal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170529105438/http://universe.byu.edu/2015/04/28/college-triple-double-header-kyle-collinsworth-versus-shaquille-oneal/ |date=May 29, 2017 }}. Retrieved June 17, 2015.</ref> O'Neal wore No. 32 because veteran teammate [[Terry Catledge]] refused to relinquish the 33 jersey.<ref name=number/> O'Neal said that 32 was the first number he wore when he began playing basketball.{{efn|Multiple articles refer to him wearing No. 32 in high school because No. 33 was not available. The ''[[Corpus Christi Caller-Times]]'' wrote that pictures from a Cole High game in 1989 show him wearing 33. "Maybe he wore No. 32 in earlier seasons", the newspaper added.<ref>{{cite news|first=Allison|last=Ehrlich|title=#TBT: Thirty years ago, West Oso went up against Shaq|date=August 1, 2019|newspaper=Corpus Christi Caller-Times|url=https://www.caller.com/story/news/special-reports/building-our-future/throwback/2019/08/01/tbt-west-oso-versus-shaq-1989-playoffs/1867826001/|access-date=March 27, 2025}}</ref>}}<ref>{{cite news|title=Don't Send Flowers, Check Will Be Enough|date=August 28, 1992|newspaper=Los Angeles Times|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-1992-08-28-sp-5899-story.html|access-date=March 27, 2025}}</ref> 

O'Neal was named the Player of the Week in his first week in the NBA, the first player to do so.<ref>{{cite web|url = http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/131104-mcw-eastern-player-week|title = Michael Carter-Williams Named Eastern Conference Player of the Week|website = NBA.com|access-date = August 8, 2014|archive-date = March 20, 2014|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20140320010535/http://www.nba.com/sixers/news/131104-mcw-eastern-player-week|url-status = live}}</ref> During his [[1992–93 NBA season|rookie season]], O'Neal averaged 23.4 points on 56.2% shooting, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 [[Block (basketball)|blocks]] per game for the season.<ref name="career">{{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=June 2, 2024}}</ref> He was named the 1993 [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] and was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter since [[Michael Jordan]] in 1985.<ref name="Magic history">{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/magic/history/magic_history.html |title=MAGIC: Magic History |access-date=March 10, 2008 |work=NBA.com/magic |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080201003005/http://www.nba.com/magic/history/magic_history.html |archive-date=February 1, 2008}}</ref> The Magic finished 41–41, winning 20 more games than the previous season, but missed the playoffs by virtue of a tie-breaker with the [[Indiana Pacers]].<ref>{{cite web |title=1992-93 Orlando Magic Roster and Stats |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/teams/ORL/1993.html |website=Basketball Reference |access-date=June 2, 2024}}</ref> On more than one occasion during the year, ''[[Sports Illustrated]]'' writer [[Jack McCallum]] overheard O'Neal saying, "We've got to get [head coach] [[Matt Guokas|Matty [Guokas]]] out of here and bring in [assistant] [[Brian Hill (basketball)|Brian [Hill]]]."<ref name=mccallum>{{cite news |last=McCallum |first=Jack |author-link=Jack McCallum |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/1997/03/03/the-young-and-the-feckless-another-nba-coach-finds-outtoo-latewhos-really-running-the-show |title=The Young And The Feckless |quote=On more than one occasion during O'Neal's rookie season of 1992–93, I heard him say of his then coach, "We've got to get Matty [Guokas] out of here and bring in Brian." |date=March 3, 1997 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121103143912/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1009558/index.htm |archive-date=November 3, 2012  |access-date=June 2, 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref>

====First playoff appearance (1993–1994)====
In 1993–1994, O'Neal's [[1993–94 NBA season|second season]], Hill was the coach and Guokas was reassigned to the front office.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/01/sports/hill-is-named-coach-of-magic.html|title=Hill Is Named Coach of Magic|quote=Matt Guokas, who coached the Orlando Magic to the National Basketball Association's most improved record last season, was replaced today by an assistant, Brian Hill, and was reassigned to the front office as Orlando's vice president of basketball development.|date=July 1, 1993|magazine=The New York Times|access-date=November 6, 2010|archive-date=June 10, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190610201013/https://www.nytimes.com/1993/07/01/sports/hill-is-named-coach-of-magic.html|url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neal improved his scoring average to 29.4 points (second in the league to [[David Robinson]]) while leading the NBA in field goal percentage at 60%.<ref name="career" /> On November 20, 1993, against the [[New Jersey Nets]], O'Neal registered the first [[triple-double]] of his career, recording 24 points to go along with career highs of 28 rebounds and 15 blocks.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/fc/pgl.cgi?player=onealsh01&year=1994|archive-url=https://archive.today/20120729165130/http://www.basketball-reference.com/fc/pgl.cgi?player=onealsh01&year=1994|archive-date=July 29, 2012|title=Shaquille O'Neal 1993–94 Game Log|publisher=Basketball-Reference.com|access-date=August 5, 2010}}</ref> He was voted into the All-Star game and also made the All-NBA 3rd Team. Teamed with newly drafted [[Penny Hardaway|Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway]], the Magic finished with a record of 50–32 and made [[1994 NBA Playoffs|the playoffs]] for the first time in franchise history.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Daubs |first=Kyle |date=2022-03-06 |title=Shaquille O'Neal's Stats For Each Season: The Most Dominant Player In NBA History |url=https://fadeawayworld.net/nba/shaquille-oneals-stats-for-each-season-the-most-dominant-player-in-nba-history |website=Fadeaway World |language=en |access-date=September 9, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003174659/https://fadeawayworld.net/nba/shaquille-oneals-stats-for-each-season-the-most-dominant-player-in-nba-history |url-status=live }}</ref>{{nbau}} In his first playoff series, O'Neal averaged 20.7 points and 13.3 rebounds<ref name="career" /> as the Pacers swept the Magic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=1995-04-18 |title=O'Neal and Hill get the jump, but Robinson, Kidd grab the votes |url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-04-18-1995108107-story.html |website=Baltimore Sun |access-date=September 9, 2023 |archive-date=October 3, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003174659/https://www.baltimoresun.com/news/bs-xpm-1995-04-18-1995108107-story.html |url-status=live }}</ref>{{failed verification|date=September 2023}}

====First scoring title and NBA Finals (1994–1996)====
In O'Neal's third season, [[1994–95 NBA season|1994–95]], he [[List of NBA annual scoring leaders|led the NBA in scoring]] with a 29.3 point average, while finishing second in MVP voting to David Robinson and entering his third straight All-Star Game along with Hardaway. They formed one of the league's top duos and helped Orlando to a 57–25 record and the [[Atlantic Division (NBA)|Atlantic Division]] crown. The Magic won their first-ever playoff series against the [[Boston Celtics]] in the [[1995 NBA playoffs]]. They then defeated the [[Chicago Bulls]] in the conference semifinals. After beating [[Reggie Miller]]'s Indiana Pacers, the Magic reached the [[1995 NBA Finals|NBA Finals]], facing the defending NBA champion [[Houston Rockets]]. O'Neal played well in his first Finals appearance, averaging 28 points on 59.5% shooting, 12.5 rebounds, and 6.3 assists. Despite this, the Rockets, led by future Hall-of-Famers [[Hakeem Olajuwon]] and [[Clyde Drexler]], swept the series in four games.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/magic/history/1994-95.html|title=1994–95 Season – THE OFFICIAL SITE OF THE ORLANDO MAGIC|website=nba.com|access-date=October 31, 2015|archive-date=December 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101201212215/http://www.nba.com/magic/history/1994-95.html|url-status=live}}</ref>

O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the [[1995–96 NBA season|1995–96 season]], missing 28 games. He averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds per game, made the All-NBA 3rd Team, and played in his 4th All-Star Game. Despite O'Neal's injuries, the Magic finished with a regular season record of 60–22, second in the Eastern conference to the Chicago Bulls, who finished with an [[1995–96 Chicago Bulls season|NBA record 72 wins]]. Orlando easily defeated the [[Detroit Pistons]] and the [[Atlanta Hawks]] in the first two rounds of the [[1996 NBA Playoffs]]; however, they were no match for Jordan's Bulls, who swept them in the Eastern Conference finals.

===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>

===Miami Heat (2004–2008)===
====MVP runner-up (2004–2005)====
[[File:Shaquille O'Neal1.jpg|thumb|O'Neal with the [[Miami Heat]] in February 2007]]
On July 14, 2004, O'Neal was traded to the [[Miami Heat]] for [[Caron Butler]], [[Lamar Odom]], [[Brian Grant]], and a future first-round [[draft (sports)|draft]] choice (the Lakers used the draft choice to select [[Jordan Farmar]] in the [[2006 NBA draft|2006 draft]]). O'Neal reverted from (his Lakers jersey) number 34 to number 32, which he had worn while playing for the Magic.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-02-09 |title=Heat to retire Shaq's No. 32 jersey next season |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/14747852/miami-heat-retiring-shaquille-oneal-no-32-jersey-next-season |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref> Upon signing with the Heat, O'Neal promised the fans that he would bring a championship to Miami. He claimed one of the main reasons for wanting to be traded to Miami was because of their up-and-coming star [[Dwyane Wade]], to whom he gave the nickname "Flash". With O'Neal on board, the new-look Heat surpassed expectations, claiming the best record in the Eastern Conference in 2004–05 with 59 wins. He played in 73 games, his most since 2001 season, averaged 22.9 points a game along with 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks. O'Neal made his 12th consecutive All-Star Team, made the All-NBA 1st Team, and won the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award for his performance in March. O'Neal also narrowly lost the [[2004–05 NBA season|2004–05]] [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|MVP Award]] to [[Phoenix Suns]] guard [[Steve Nash]] in one of the closest votes in NBA history.<ref name="mvp_vote_2005">{{cite web | url = https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2005.html | publisher = Basketball Reference | title = 2004–05 NBA Awards Voting | access-date = June 1, 2011 | archive-date = June 4, 2011 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110604225723/http://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/awards_2005.html }}</ref>

Despite being hobbled by a deep thigh bruise, O'Neal led the Heat to the [[2005 NBA Playoffs#Conference finals|Eastern Conference finals]] and a game 7 against the defending champion [[Detroit Pistons]], losing by a narrow margin. Afterwards, O'Neal and others criticized Heat head coach [[Stan Van Gundy]] for not calling enough plays for O'Neal.<ref>{{cite news 
 |url=https://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE4DA1230F934A15751C1A9639C8B63 
 |first=Liz 
 |last=Robbins 
 |title=BASKETBALL; Riley, Advocating for O'Neal, Objects to the 'Sumo' Defense 
 |quote=The criticism O'Neal and others had for Van Gundy after the Heat's loss to Detroit in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference finals last season was that he did not call enough plays for O'Neal. 
 |date=December 27, 2005 |newspaper=The New York Times 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121110210004/http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9C0CE4DA1230F934A15751C1A9639C8B63
 |archive-date=November 10, 2012 |access-date=November 17, 2010 |url-status=live
 }}</ref> 
In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year-extension with the Heat for $100&nbsp;million. Supporters applauded O'Neal's willingness to take what amounted to a pay cut and the Heat's decision to secure O'Neal's services for the long term. They contended that O'Neal was worth more than $20&nbsp;million per year, particularly given that lesser players earned almost the same amount.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2005-08-02 |title=Shaq, Heat agree to five-year, $100M contract |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2122716 |access-date=2022-12-28 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228183153/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2122716 |url-status=live }}</ref>

====Fourth championship (2005–2006)====
[[File:Heatwhitehouse.jpg|thumb|O'Neal holding the championship ball when the NBA champion [[Miami Heat]] team visited the [[White House]] in February 2007]]
In the second game of the [[2005–06 NBA season|2005–06 season]], O'Neal injured his right ankle and subsequently missed the following 18 games. Upon O'Neal's return, Van Gundy resigned, citing family reasons, and [[Pat Riley]] assumed head coach responsibilities.<ref name=ventre/> O'Neal later referred to Van Gundy as a "frontrunner" and a "master of panic".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-03-04 |title=Shaq: Magic's Van Gundy is 'a master of panic' |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3953133 |access-date=2022-12-28 |website=ESPN.com |language=en |archive-date=December 28, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221228183315/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3953133 |url-status=live }}</ref> Many critics stated that Heat coach Riley correctly managed O'Neal during the rest of the season, limiting his minutes to a career low. Riley felt doing so would allow O'Neal to be healthier and fresher come playoff time. Although O'Neal averaged career lows (or near-lows) in points, rebounds, and blocks, he said in an interview "Stats don't matter. I care about winning, not stats. If I score 0 points and we win I'm happy. If I score 50, 60 points, break the records, and we lose, I'm pissed off. 'Cause I knew I did something wrong. I'll have a hell of a season if I win the championship and average 20 points a game."<ref>[http://www.shaqquotes.com Shaq Quotes] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160109171713/http://www.shaqquotes.com/ |date=January 9, 2016 }}. Retrieved June 17, 2015.</ref> During the 2005–06 season, the Heat recorded only a .500 record without O'Neal in the line-up.<ref>[http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/347830-kobe-or-shaq-who-has-been-more-important-to-their-teams-over-the-years "Kobe or Shaq: Who Has Been More Important To Their Teams Over the Years?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210225142433/http://m.bleacherreport.com/articles/347830-kobe-or-shaq-who-has-been-more-important-to-their-teams-over-the-years |date=February 25, 2021 }}. ''Bleacher Report''. Retrieved June 17, 2015.</ref>

On April 11, 2006, O'Neal recorded his second career [[triple-double]] against the [[Toronto Raptors]] with 15 points, 11 rebounds and a career-high 10 assists.<ref name="HotHoops">Kraczkowski, Kevin. [http://www.hothothoops.com/2013/10/7/4814160/miami-heat-player-countdown-15-shaquille-oneal "Miami Heat Player Countdown: 15. Shaquille O'Neal"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908111909/http://www.hothothoops.com/2013/10/7/4814160/miami-heat-player-countdown-15-shaquille-oneal |date=September 8, 2017 }}. (October 7, 2013). Retrieved June 17, 2015.</ref> O'Neal finished the 2005–06 season as the league leader in field goal percentage.<ref name="HotHoops"/>
In the [[2006 NBA Playoffs]], the Heat first faced the younger [[Chicago Bulls]], and O'Neal delivered a dominating 27 point, 16 rebound and 5 blocks performance in game 1 followed by a 22-point effort in game 2 to help Miami take a 2–0 lead in the series. Chicago would respond with two dominating performances at home to tie the series, but Miami would respond right back with a victory at home in game 5. Miami returned to Chicago and closed out the series in the 6th game, highlighted by another dominating performance by O'Neal who finished with 30 points and 20 rebounds. Miami advanced to face New Jersey, who won a surprising game 1 victory before the Heat won four straight to assure a rematch with Detroit. The Pistons had no answer for Wade throughout the series, while O'Neal delivered 21 points and 12 rebounds in game 3 followed by 27 points and 12 boards in game 4 to help Miami take a 3–1 series lead. The Pistons would win game 5 in Detroit, and Wade would once again get injured, but the Heat 
held on to win game 6 with O'Neal scoring 28 points with 16 rebounds and 5 blocks to help Miami reach their first-ever NBA Finals.<ref name="Heat Playoffs Summary">[http://www.nba.com/heat/history/playoff_history_2006.html "Heat Playoff History 2006"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150510081749/http://www.nba.com/heat/history/playoff_history_2006.html |date=May 10, 2015 }}. Retrieved June 17, 2015.</ref>

In the Finals, the Heat were underdogs against the [[Dallas Mavericks]] led by [[Dirk Nowitzki]], and the Mavericks won the first two games at home in dominating fashion. The Heat led by Wade and a balanced effort by O'Neal, [[Antoine Walker]] and [[Jason Williams (basketball, born 1975)|Jason Williams]] would go on to win all three of the next games at home, before closing out the series in Dallas to deliver the first NBA title for the franchise and O'Neal's fourth title. With Wade carrying the offensive load, O'Neal did not need to have a dominating series, and finished with an average of 13.7 points and 10.2 rebounds for the series.<ref name="Heat Playoffs Summary"/>

====Surgery and Wade's injury (2006–2007)====
In the {{NBA Year|2006|app=season}}, O'Neal missed 35 games after an injury to his left knee in November required surgery.<ref>{{cite news
| url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=261117014
| title = Knicks take advantage of Shaq-less heat with blowout
| quote = Starting with Shaquille O'Neal's left knee, the Miami Heat are hurting.
| date = November 17, 2006
| work = ESPN
| agency = Associated Press
| access-date = November 10, 2010
| archive-date = November 5, 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121105213510/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=261117014
| url-status = dead
}}</ref><ref>{{cite news
| url = http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=270124011
| title = Shaq, Wade return in Heat's OT loss to Pacers
| quote = O'Neal, who came off the bench after missing 35 games while recovering from knee surgery, finished with five points and five rebounds in 14 minutes.
| date = January 24, 2007
| work = ESPN
| agency = Associated Press
| access-date = November 10, 2010
| archive-date = November 5, 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121105213519/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=270124011
| url-status = dead
}}</ref> After one of those missed games, a Christmas Day match-up against the Lakers, he ripped Jackson, who O'Neal had once called a second father, referring to his former coach as "[[Benedict Arnold]]". Jackson had previously said, "The only person I've ever [coached] that hasn't been a worker... is probably Shaq."<ref>{{cite news 
 |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/16357098/ 
 |title=Shaq rips Jackson as 'Benedict Arnold' 
 |quote="How can Benedict Arnold be reliable in what he says?" O'Neal said Monday after the Miami Heat's 101–85 victory over the Lakers, the ''Los Angeles Times'' reported. 
 |date=December 26, 2006 |publisher=NBC Sports 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110315213209/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/16357098
 |archive-date=March 15, 2011 |access-date=November 12, 2010 
 }}</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 previous year, the Heat faced the Bulls in the first round of the 2006–07 NBA playoffs. The Heat struggled against the Bulls and although O'Neal put up reasonable numbers, he was not able to dominate the series. The Bulls swept the Heat, the first time in 50&nbsp;years a defending NBA champion was swept in the opening round.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 206.</ref> It was the first time in 13 years that O'Neal did not advance into the second round. In the 2006–07 season O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to accomplish that milestone. However, it was the first season in O'Neal's career that his scoring average dropped below 20&nbsp;points per game.<ref name=brstats/>

====Career lows and disagreements (2007–2008)====
O'Neal experienced a rough start for the 2007–08 season, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His role in the offense diminished, as he attempted only 10 field goals per game, versus his career average of 17. In addition, O'Neal was plagued by fouls, and during one stretch fouled out of five consecutive games. O'Neal's streak of 14 straight [[NBA All-Star Game|All-Star]] appearances ended that season.<ref name=brstats/> O'Neal again missed games due to injuries, and the Heat had a 15–game losing streak.<ref>{{cite book |last1=O'Neal |first1=Shaquille |last2=MacMullan |first2=Jackie |title=Shaq Uncut: My Story |pages=[https://archive.org/details/shaquncutmystory00onea_0/page/210 210–11] |year=2011 |publisher=Grand Central Publishing |isbn=978-1-4555-0441-1 |ref=oneal2011 |url=https://archive.org/details/shaquncutmystory00onea_0/page/210|url-access=registration|via=[[Internet Archive]]}}</ref> According to O'Neal, Riley thought he was faking the injury.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 212.</ref> During a practice in February 2008, O'Neal got into an altercation with Riley over the coach ordering a tardy [[Jason Williams (basketball, born 1975)|Jason Williams]] to leave practice. The two argued face-to-face, with O'Neal poking Riley in the chest and Riley slapping his finger away. Riley soon after decided to trade O'Neal.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], pp. 215–16.</ref> O'Neal said his relationship with Wade was not "all that good" by the time he left Miami, but he did not express disappointment at Wade for failing to stand up for him.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 216.</ref>

O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat in the 2007–08 season prior to being traded to the Phoenix Suns. O'Neal started all 33 games and averaged 14.2 points per game. Following the trade to Phoenix, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points while starting all 28 games with the Suns.

===Phoenix Suns (2008–2009)===
[[File:Shaq and Nash.jpg|thumb|O'Neal with teammate [[Steve Nash]] of the [[Phoenix Suns]] in January 2009]]
The [[Phoenix Suns]] acquired O'Neal in February 2008 from the league-worst [[Miami Heat]], who had a record at the time of the trade of 9–37, in exchange for [[Shawn Marion]] and [[Marcus Banks]].<ref>{{cite news
| last = Ludden
| first = Johnny
| url = https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=jy-shaqdeal020508
| title = Suns, Heat agree to Shaq trade
| quote = In a move that could signify a dramatic change to their go-go-go, let-it-fly style of play, the Phoenix Suns acquired former All-Star center Shaquille O'Neal from the Miami Heat on Wednesday for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.
| date = February 6, 2008
| work = Yahoo! Sports
| access-date = November 13, 2010
| archive-date = October 25, 2012
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20121025044554/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=jy-shaqdeal020508
| url-status = live
}}</ref> O'Neal made his Suns debut on February 20, 2008, against his former Lakers team, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in the process. The Lakers won, 130–124. O'Neal was upbeat in a post-game press conference, stating: "I will take the blame for this loss because I wasn't in tune with the guys [...] But give me four or five days to really get in tune and I'll get it."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080221 |title=Daily Dime: Shaq gets the spotlight, while Kobe gets the game |publisher=[[ESPN]] .com |date=February 21, 2008 |access-date=February 21, 2008 |archive-date=December 9, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131209032742/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-080221 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 28 regular season games, O'Neal averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds,<ref name="Shaquille O'Neal stats">[http://www.nba.com/playerfile/shaquille_oneal/index.html Shaquille O'Neal career stats and splits] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060813032532/http://www.nba.com/playerfile/shaquille_oneal/index.html |date=August 13, 2006 }} ''[[National Basketball Association|NBA.com]]''</ref> good enough to make the [[2008 NBA Playoffs|playoffs]]. One of the reasons for the trade was to limit [[Tim Duncan]] in the event of a postseason matchup between the Suns and the [[San Antonio Spurs]], especially after the Suns' six-game elimination by the Spurs in the [[2007 NBA Playoffs]].<ref>{{cite news | url=http://dimemag.com/2008/02/06/why-shaq-heres-why/ | title=Why Shaq? Here's Why | author=Austin Burton | work=dimemag.com | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080720160130/http://dimemag.com/2008/02/06/why-shaq-heres-why/ | archive-date=July 20, 2008 }}</ref> O'Neal and the Phoenix Suns did face the Spurs in the first round of the playoffs, but they were once again eliminated, in five games. O'Neal averaged 15.2 points, 9.2 rebounds and 1.0 assists per game.<ref name="Shaquille O'Neal stats" />

O'Neal preferred his new situation with the Suns over the Heat. "I love playing for this coach and I love playing with these guys", O'Neal said. "We have professionals who know what to do. No one is asking me to play with [his former Heat teammates] [[Chris Quinn]] or [[Ricky Davis]]. I'm actually on a team again." Riley felt O'Neal was wrong for maligning his former teammates. O'Neal responded with an expletive toward Riley, whom he often referred to as the "great Pat Riley" while playing for the Heat.<ref>{{cite news 
 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3314347
 |title=Riley bothered by Shaq's criticism of Heat players, staff 
 |quote="We have professionals who know what to do. No one is asking me to play with Chris Quinn or Ricky Davis. I'm actually on a team again." 
 |date=March 27, 2008 |work=ESPN 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607010423/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3314347
 |archive-date=June 7, 2011 |access-date=November 13, 2010 |url-status=live
 }}</ref> O'Neal credited the Suns training staff with prolonging his career.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]] p. 221.</ref> They connected his arthritic toe, which would not bend, to the alteration of his jump that consequently was straining his leg. The trainers had him concentrate on building his [[core strength]], flexibility, and balance.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]] p. 213.</ref>

The 2008–09 season, improved for O'Neal, who averaged 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half (41 games) of the season, leading the Suns to a 23–18 record and 2nd place in their division.<ref name=yahoo>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/847 |title=Player profile – Shaquille O'Neal |work=yahoo.com |access-date=January 15, 2017 |archive-date=April 8, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170408010052/http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/players/847/ |url-status=live }}</ref> He returned to the All-Star Game in 2009 and emerged as co-MVP along with ex-teammate Kobe Bryant.

On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, his 49th career 40-point game, beating the [[Toronto Raptors]] 133–113.

In a matchup against Orlando on March 3, 2009, O'Neal was outscored by Magic center [[Dwight Howard]], 21–19. "I'm really too old to be trying to outscore 18-year-olds", O'Neal said, referring to the then 23-year-old Howard. "It's not really my role anymore." O'Neal was double-teamed most of the night. "I like to play people one-on-one. My whole career I had to play people one-on-one. Never once had to double or ask for a double. But it's cool", said O'Neal. During the game, O'Neal flopped against Howard. Magic coach [[Stan Van Gundy]], who had coached O'Neal with the Heat, was "very disappointed cause [O'Neal] knows what it's like. Let's stand up and play like men, and I think our guy did that tonight."<ref>{{cite news
| url = http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290303019/phoenix-suns-vs-orlando-magic
| title = Magic's Van Gundy calls out Shaq for flopping
| quote = "I was shocked, seriously, shocked", Magic coach Stan Van Gundy said of O'Neal's flopping. "And very disappointed cause he knows what it's like. Let's stand up and play like men, and I think our guy did that tonight."
| date = March 3, 2009
| work = ESPN
| agency = Associated Press
| access-date = October 15, 2010
| archive-date = June 13, 2011
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110613212020/http://espn.go.com/nba/recap/_/id/290303019/phoenix-suns-vs-orlando-magic
| url-status = dead
}}</ref> O'Neal responded, "Flopping is playing like that your whole career. I was trying to take the charge, trying to get a call. It probably was a flop, but flopping is the wrong use of words. Flopping would describe his coaching."<ref>{{cite news 
 |last=Sheridan 
 |first=Chris 
 |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3953133
 |title=Shaq rips Van Gundy for flop comment 
 |quote="Flopping is playing like that your whole career. I was trying to take the charge, trying to get a call. It probably was a flop, but flopping is the wrong use of words. Flopping would describe his coaching", O'Neal said, steering the conversation back to Van Gundy. 
 |date=March 5, 2009 |work=ESPN 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111111004110/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=3953133
 |archive-date=November 11, 2011 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=live
 }}</ref> [[Mark Madsen (basketball)|Mark Madsen]], a Lakers teammate of O'Neal's for three years, found it amusing since "everyone in the league tries to flop on Shaq and Shaq never flops back."<ref>{{cite web
 |url = http://www.markmadsen.com/blog/what-is-a-flop.html
 |first = Mark
 |last = Madsen
 |author-link = Mark Madsen (basketball)
 |title = What is a flop?
 |quote = So, this whole commotion about whether or not Shaq's play against Dwight Howard was a flop is so funny because everyone in the league tries to flop on Shaq and Shaq never flops back.
 |date = March 7, 2009
|work = MarkMadsen.com
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110714035737/http://www.markmadsen.com/blog/what-is-a-flop.html
 |archive-date = July 14, 2011
|access-date = November 9, 2010

 }}</ref> In a 2006 interview in ''TIME'', O'Neal said if he were NBA commissioner, he would "Make a guy have to beat a guy—not flop and get calls and be nice to the referees and kiss ass."<ref>{{cite news
 |url = http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1552051,00.html
 |last = Gregory
 |first = Sean
 |title = 10 Questions for Shaquille O'Neal
 |quote = Make a guy have to beat a guy—not flop and get calls and be nice to the referees and kiss ass.
 |date = October 30, 2006
|magazine = Time
 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101130190946/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1552051,00.html
 |archive-date = November 30, 2010
|access-date = November 9, 2010

 }}</ref>

On March 6, O'Neal talked about the upcoming game against the Rockets and [[Yao Ming]]. "It's not going to be man-on-man, so don't even try that," says O'Neal with an incredulous laugh. "They're going to double and triple me like everybody else ... I rarely get to play [Yao] one-on-one ... But when I play him (on defense), it's just going to be me down there. So don't try to make it a Yao versus Shaq thing, when it's Shaq versus four other guys."<ref>{{cite web 
 |url=http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Shaq_and_Yao_Sound_Off_On_What-303812-34.html 
 |first=Jason 
 |last=Friedman 
 |title=Clash Of The Titans 
 |quote="It's not going to be man-on-man, so don't even try that," says O'Neal with an incredulous laugh. 
 |date=March 6, 2009 |work=Rockets.com 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101117070617/http://www.nba.com/rockets/news/Shaq_and_Yao_Sound_Off_On_What-303812-34.html
 |archive-date=November 17, 2010 |access-date=November 9, 2010 |url-status=live
 }}</ref>

The [[2009 NBA Playoffs]] was also the first time since O'Neal's rookie season in [[1992–93 NBA season|1992–93]] that he did not participate in the playoffs. He was named as a member of the All-NBA Third Team. The Suns notified O'Neal he might be traded to cut costs.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 213.</ref>

===Cleveland Cavaliers (2009–2010)===
On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the [[Cleveland Cavaliers]] for [[Ben Wallace (basketball)|Ben Wallace]], [[Aleksandar Pavlović (basketball)|Sasha Pavlovic]], $500,000, and a 2010 second-round draft pick.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/shaq_trade_090625.html |title=Cavaliers Acquire 15-Time NBA All-Star and Four-Time NBA Champion Shaquille ONeal |date=June 25, 2009 |work=[[National Basketball Association|NBA.com]] |access-date=June 25, 2009 |archive-date=November 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121109141519/http://www.nba.com/cavaliers/news/shaq_trade_090625.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Upon arriving in Cleveland, O'Neal said, "My motto is very simple: Win a Ring for the King", referring to [[LeBron James]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Finnan |first=Bob |date=2009-07-03 |title='WIN A RING FOR THE KING': Shaq makes his Cleveland debut |url=https://www.morningjournal.com/news/win-a-ring-for-the-king-shaq-makes-his-cleveland-debut/article_59005cdc-6230-55c3-8199-393459cea02d.html |access-date=2021-07-27 |website=Morning Journal |language=en-US |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232017/https://www.morningjournal.com/2009/07/03/win-a-ring-for-the-king-shaq-makes-his-cleveland-debut/ |url-status=live }}</ref> James was the leader of the team, and O'Neal deferred to him.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], pp. 234–37.</ref> On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury while attempting to go up for a shot against [[Glen Davis (basketball)|Glen Davis]] of the Boston Celtics.<ref>"[https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=4947277 Cleveland Cavaliers' Shaquille O'Neal leaves game with 'significant thumb injury] ". Associated Press. February 25, 2010. Retrieved March 1, 2010.</ref> He had surgery on the thumb on March 1 and returned to play in time for the [[2010 NBA Playoffs|first round of the playoffs]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20100417/CHICLE/gameinfo.html |title=The Game Happens Here |work=NBA.com |access-date=August 5, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101203055758/http://www.nba.com/games/20100417/CHICLE/gameinfo.html |archive-date=December 3, 2010 }}</ref>

After defeating the [[Chicago Bulls]] in the first round, the Cavaliers went on to lose to the Boston Celtics in the second round. In September 2016, O'Neal said: "When I was in Cleveland, we were in first place. Big Baby [Glen Davis] breaks my hand and I had to sit out five weeks late in the year. I come back finally in the first round of the playoffs, and we lost to Boston in the second round. I was upset. I know for a fact if I was healthy, we would have gotten it done that year and won a ring."<ref>{{cite web|last=Siddiqi|first=DJ|url=https://247sports.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/article/shaquille-oneal-cavaliers-should-have-won-title-in-2010-47264296/|title=Shaquille O'Neal: Cavaliers should have won title in 2010|work=247sports.com|date=September 6, 2016|access-date=January 2, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232020/https://247sports.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers/Article/shaquille-oneal-cavaliers-should-have-won-title-in-2010-47264296/|url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neal averaged career lows in almost every major statistical category during the 2009–10 season, largely due to splitting Center duties with [[Zydrunas Ilgauskas]].

===Boston Celtics (2010–2011)===
[[File:Shaquille O'Neal.JPG|thumb|O'Neal with the [[Boston Celtics]] in October 2010]]
Upon hearing Bryant comment that he had more rings than O'Neal, [[Wycliffe Grousbeck|Wyc Grousbeck]], principal owner of the [[Boston Celtics]], saw an opportunity to acquire O'Neal.<ref>{{cite news
| url = http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/09/19/grousbecks_faith_goes_right_down_to_the_core/?page=full
| title = Grousbeck's faith goes right down to the core
| first = Gary
| last = Washburn
| quote = "The minute I heard Kobe [Bryant] say he had one more ring than Shaq, I said to Danny, 'Let's go get Shaq,' and it happened", said Grousbeck.
| date = September 19, 2010
| newspaper = The Boston Globe
| access-date = October 14, 2010
| archive-date = September 22, 2010
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100922195015/http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/09/19/grousbecks_faith_goes_right_down_to_the_core/?page=full
| url-status = live
}}</ref> Celtics coach [[Doc Rivers]] agreed to the signing on the condition that O'Neal would not receive preferential treatment, nor could he cause any locker room problems like in Los Angeles or Miami.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], pp. 243–44.</ref> On August 4, 2010, the Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal.<ref>{{cite news|author=Boston Celtics|url=http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press_release/press080410-celtics-sign-shaq.html|title=Celtics Sign Shaquille O'Neal|publisher=NBA.com/Celtics|date=August 4, 2010|access-date=August 4, 2010|archive-date=August 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100814092435/http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/press_release/press080410-celtics-sign-shaq.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The contract was for two years at the veteran minimum salary for a total contract value of $2.8&nbsp;million.<ref>{{cite news 
 |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/08/05/shaq_aboard_for_two_years/ 
 |title=Shaq aboard for two years 
 |first=Gary 
 |last=Washburn 
 |quote=All Ainge had to offer was the veteran minimum of $1.35&nbsp;million, and O'Neal compromised by accepting that on a two-year deal. 
 |date=August 5, 2010 |newspaper=The Boston Globe 
 |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 
 |first=Howard 
 |last=Beck 
 |quote=The Dallas Mavericks had interest, but balked at O'Neal's salary demands. 
 |date=July 23, 2010 |newspaper=The New York Times 
 |archive-url=https://archive.today/20240525022959/https://www.webcitation.org/5uIrmSv92?url=http://www.nytimes.com/2010/07/24/sports/basketball/24shaq.html%3F_r=2
 |archive-date=May 25, 2024 |access-date=November 17, 2010 |url-status=live
 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news 
 |url=http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2010/08/05/atlanta-hawks-no-shaq-now-what/?cxntfid=blogs_hawks 
 |title=Atlanta Hawks: No Shaq . . . now what? 
 |first=Michael 
 |last=Cunningham 
 |quote=Atlanta also wasn't willing to pay Shaq more than the minimum and that was a sticking point for him. 
 |date=August 5, 2010 |newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution 
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101209171203/http://blogs.ajc.com/hawks/2010/08/05/atlanta-hawks-no-shaq-now-what/?cxntfid=blogs_hawks
 |archive-date=December 9, 2010 |access-date=November 17, 2010 
 }}</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
| first = Jackie
| last = MacMullan
| author-link = Jackie MacMullan
| quote = But I don't compete with little guards. I don't compete with little guys who run around dominating the ball, throwing up 30 shots a night – like D-Wade, Kobe.
| date = September 27, 2010
| work = ESPN
| access-date = October 14, 2010
| archive-date = October 1, 2010
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20101001003218/http://sports.espn.go.com/boston/nba/columns/story?columnist=macmullan_jackie&id=5620537
| url-status = live
}}</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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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&nbsp;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>{{Cite web |date=June 3, 2011 |title=Shaq: 'It is time for me to begin my new life' |url=http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/06/03/shaq.retires/index.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110610042955/http://edition.cnn.com/2011/SPORT/06/03/shaq.retires/index.html |url-status=dead |archive-date=June 10, 2011 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=CNN |language=en}}</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]</ref> His national team career began in the [[1994 FIBA World Championship]] in which he was named [[FIBA World Cup MVP|MVP of the Tournament]]. While he led the [[United States men's national basketball team#Olympics|Dream Team II]] to the gold medal with an 8–0 record, O'Neal averaged 18 points and 8.5 rebounds and recorded two double-doubles. In four games, he scored more than 20 points. Before 2010, he was the last active American player to have a gold from the [[FIBA World Cup]].

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]] 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>{{cite news | last=MacMullan | first=Jackie | title=The NBA - 03.29.99 - SI Vault | url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1015501/index.htm | date=March 29, 1999 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121104063008/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1015501/index.htm |archive-date=November 4, 2012 | work=sportsillustrated.com }}</ref> He forwent an opportunity to participate in the [[Basketball at the 2000 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2000 Olympics]], explaining that two gold medals were enough.<ref>SCOTT HOWARD-COOPER and TIM KAWAKAMI [https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2000-jun-13-sp-40593-story.html O'Neal, Bryant Still Possible for Olympics], ''Los Angeles Times'', June 13, 2000.</ref> O'Neal also chose not to play in the [[2002 FIBA World Championship]].<ref>[[Chris Sheridan (sportswriter)|Chris Sheridan]] [https://archive.seattletimes.com/archive/20020902/basket02/weight-of-the-world-leans-on-us-team Weight of the world leans on U.S. team], ''The Seattle Times'', September 2, 2002.</ref> He rejected an offer to play in the [[Basketball at the 2004 Summer Olympics – Men's tournament|2004 Olympics]],<ref>[[Marc Stein (reporter)|Marc Stein]] [https://www.espn.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=stein_marc&id=1812395 Team USA carousel continues], ''[[ESPN]]'', May 29, 2004.</ref> and although he was initially interested in being named for 2006–2008 US preliminary roster,<ref>AP [https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=2283371 Colangelo says Shaq not ruling out Olympics], ''[[ESPN]]'', January 7, 2006.</ref> he eventually declined the invitation.<ref>Michael Cunningham [http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2006-07-21/news/0607201619_1_nba-teams-usa-basketball-nba-players/2 Full Summer Gives U.s. Players More Than A Workout] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20120701164827/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2006-07-21/news/0607201619_1_nba-teams-usa-basketball-nba-players/2 |date=July 1, 2012 }}, ''[[South Florida Sun-Sentinel]]'', July 21, 2006.</ref>

==Player profile==
[[File:Shaquille O'Neal Free Throw.jpg|thumb|O'Neal's [[free throw]] shooting was regarded as one of his major weaknesses.]]
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=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/1993/09/13/new-this-year-in-nba-shaq-proof-backboards/ |title=New This Year In Nba: Shaq-proof Backboards |last=Roberts |first=Selena |work=Orlando Sentinel |date=September 13, 1993 |access-date=April 25, 2017 |archive-date=April 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170426151730/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/1993-09-13/sports/9309130272_1_backboard-new-rule-tiebreaker |url-status=live }}</ref>

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/>

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 percent in practice.<ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 139.</ref> In hope of exploiting O'Neal's poor foul shooting, opponents often committed intentional fouls against him, a tactic known as "[[Hack-a-Shaq]]". O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/FTA_career.html |title=Career Leaders and Records for Free Throw Attempts – |publisher=Basketball-reference.com |access-date=December 29, 2010 |archive-date=March 7, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110307065351/http://www.basketball-reference.com/leaders/fta_career.html }}</ref> having attempted 11,252 free-throws in 1,207 games up to and including the 2010–11 season. On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming the second player in NBA history to do so, along with Chamberlain.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.nba.com/games/20081225/SASPHX/recap.html |title=Mason's 3-pointer gives Spurs 91–90 win over Suns |agency=Associated Press |date=December 25, 2008 |author=Bob Baum |work=nba.com |access-date=May 29, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090305142443/http://www.nba.com/games/20081225/SASPHX/recap.html |archive-date=March 5, 2009 }}</ref>

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).

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 news | url=https://theathletic.com/3117428/2022/02/09/nba-75-at-no-8-shaquille-oneal-was-a-dominant-physical-force-who-had-an-outsized-personality-to-match/ | title=NBA 75: At No. 8, Shaquille O'Neal was a dominant physical force who had an outsized personality to match | website=[[The Athletic]] | access-date=March 11, 2023 | archive-date=March 11, 2023 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230311003929/https://theathletic.com/3117428/2022/02/09/nba-75-at-no-8-shaquille-oneal-was-a-dominant-physical-force-who-had-an-outsized-personality-to-match/ | url-status=live | last1=Jones | first1=Jason }}</ref>

[[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
| url = http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/shaq-athletes-multiple-retired-numbers-jersey-miami-heat-los-angeles-lakers-wayne-gretzky-jackie-robinson-michael-jordan-022216
| title = Shaq and 31 more athletes with numbers retired by multiple teams
| website = FOX Sports
| access-date = December 22, 2016
| archive-date = December 23, 2016
| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161223082256/http://www.foxsports.com/nba/story/shaq-athletes-multiple-retired-numbers-jersey-miami-heat-los-angeles-lakers-wayne-gretzky-jackie-robinson-michael-jordan-022216
| url-status = live
}}</ref><ref>{{cite web
 |url=http://shaq.world/athletes-with-multiple-retired-numbers 
 |title=Shaq Now Among Small Group Of Athletes Whose Numbers Have Been Retired By Multiple Teams 
 |website=Shaq 
 |access-date=February 26, 2016
 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160226172241/http://shaq.world/athletes-with-multiple-retired-numbers 
 |archive-date=February 26, 2016 }}</ref> [[Miami Heat#Retired numbers|The Heat eventually retired]] his jersey on December 22, 2016, during halftime of a game against his former team, the [[Los Angeles Lakers]]. On February 13, 2024, the [[Orlando Magic#Retired numbers|Orlando Magic retired]] O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, the first time they retired a players' number.<ref>{{cite web|title=Orlando Magic to retire Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey|url=https://www.nba.com/news/magic-retire-shaquille-oneal-jersey|website=NBA.com|date=January 4, 2024|access-date=January 5, 2024|archive-date=January 5, 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240105013357/https://www.nba.com/news/magic-retire-shaquille-oneal-jersey|url-status=live}}</ref> He became the third player to have his number retired by three NBA teams, joining [[Wilt Chamberlain]] and [[Pete Maravich]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey first to be retired by Magic|date=February 13, 2024|work=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/39520918/orlando-magic-retire-shaquille-oneal-no-32-jersey-first-team|access-date=February 14, 2024}}</ref>

==Off the court==
===Media personality===
[[File:Shaquille O'Neal 1998.jpg|thumb|O'Neal in 1998]]
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/2000/biz/news/admen-strike-back-against-sag-aftra-1117782988/ |title=Admen strike back against SAG/AFTRA |work=Variety |author=Dave McNary |date=June 23, 2000 |access-date=December 7, 2019 |archive-date=January 30, 2010 |url-status=live |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20100130102351/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117782988.html?categoryid=18&cs=1 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/801470.stm |work=BBC News |title=Sports stars break Hollywood strike |date=June 22, 2000 |access-date=November 11, 2007 |archive-date=May 2, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080502123826/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/801470.stm |url-status=live }}</ref>

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=https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2002/11/05/kings-come-out-fighting/|title=Kings Come Out Fighting|author=Tim Povtak|work=Orlando Sentinel|date=November 5, 2002|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-date=June 6, 2012|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120606230641/http://articles.orlandosentinel.com/2002-11-05/sports/0211050282_1_sacramento-kings-christie-lakers}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://articles.philly.com/2003-04-19/sports/25477258_1_chris-webber-shaquille-o-neal-los-angeles-lakers|title=Kings Eyeing Crown, not L.A.|website=The Philadelphia Inquirer|author=Marc Narducci|date=April 19, 2003|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304055744/http://articles.philly.com/2003-04-19/sports/25477258_1_chris-webber-shaquille-o-neal-los-angeles-lakers|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://blogs.sacbee.com/sports/kings/archives/2011/06/shaq-was-more-t.html|newspaper=Sacramento Bee|title=Shaq was more than a dominant player|date=June 1, 2011|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120607195519/http://blogs.sacbee.com/sports/kings/archives/2011/06/shaq-was-more-t.html|archive-date=June 7, 2012}}</ref> During the 2002 victory parade, O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/06/top-5-shaq-moments-as-a-laker.html|work=Los Angeles Times|author=Mark Medina|title=Top 5 Shaq moments as a Laker|date=June 2, 2011|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-date=August 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110826042509/http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2011/06/top-5-shaq-moments-as-a-laker.html}}</ref> after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series en route to its third championship with O'Neal.

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 
 |title=Shaq's Apology Not Good Enough 
 |first=Emil 
 |last=Guillermo 
 |author-link=Emil Guillermo 
 |url=https://www.sfgate.com/politics/article/Shaq-s-Apology-Not-Good-Enough-2640506.php
 |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
 |first        = George
 |last         = Vecsey
 |author-link  = George Vecsey
 |url          = https://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/12/sports/sports-of-the-times-fans-in-shanghai-are-voting-in-the-mainstream.html
 |newspaper    = The New York Times
 |date         = January 12, 2003
 |access-date  = August 25, 2010
 |quote        = Yao quickly said: 'The world is getting smaller, and I think it's important to have a greater understanding of other cultures. I believe Shaquille O'Neal was joking, but I think that a lot of Asian people don't understand that kind of joke.'
 |archive-date = May 26, 2013
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20130526152619/http://www.nytimes.com/2003/01/12/sports/sports-of-the-times-fans-in-shanghai-are-voting-in-the-mainstream.html
 |url-status   = live
}}</ref> Yao joked, "Chinese is hard to learn. I had trouble with it when I was little."<ref>{{cite magazine
 |title        = Tall tale? Shaq says Yao comments were said in jest
 |first        = Tim
 |last         = Brown
 |url          = http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/01/10/shaq_yao_ap/
 |magazine     = Sports Illustrated
 |author2      = ((Associated Press))
 |date         = January 10, 2003
 |access-date  = August 25, 2010
 |quote        = "Chinese is hard to learn. I had trouble with it when I was little", Yao joked.
 |archive-date = March 30, 2014
 |archive-url  = https://web.archive.org/web/20140330084618/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/basketball/news/2003/01/10/shaq_yao_ap/
 |url-status   = dead
}}</ref> O'Neal later expressed regret for the way he treated Yao early in his career.<ref>{{Cite news| last = Wilborn| first = Michael| title = Can't overestimate Yao Ming's impact| publisher = ESPN| date = December 20, 2010| url = https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=wilbon/101220| access-date = March 13, 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150402201354/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/commentary/news/story?page=wilbon%2F101220| quote=Shaquille O'Neal once told me he hated that he hazed Yao a little bit early in his career. | url-status = live| archive-date = April 2, 2015}}</ref>

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, O'Neal compared his poor play to [[Erick Dampier]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2005/news/story?id=2059037|work=ESPN|title=Shaq: 'I've been playing like Erick Dampier'|date=May 13, 2005|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-date= October 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011042928/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2005/news/story?id=2059037|url-status=live}}</ref> a [[Dallas Mavericks]] center who had failed to score a single point in one of their recent games. The quip inspired countless citations and references by announcers during those playoffs, though Dampier himself offered little response to the insult. The two would meet in the [[2006 NBA Finals]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/finals2006/|work=ESPN|title=NBA.com: Finals 2006|year=2006|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120222144215/http://www.nba.com/finals2006/|archive-date=February 22, 2012}}</ref>

O'Neal was very vocal with the media, often making jabs at Laker teammate Kobe Bryant. In the summer of 2005, when asked about Bryant, he responded, "I'm sorry, who?" and continued to pretend that he did not know who Bryant was until well into the 2005–06 season.<ref>[http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1187093/2/index.htm An A-to-Z remembrance of Shaq's career—basketball and (mostly) otherwise] {{Webarchive|url=https://archive.today/20130119182433/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/vault/article/magazine/MAG1187093/2/index.htm |date=January 19, 2013 }} – Sports Illustrated, CNN</ref>

O'Neal also appeared on television on ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' (he was initially picked to host the second episode of season 24 in 1998, but had to back down due to scheduling conflicts, being replaced by [[Kelsey Grammer]]; however, he did appear in two sketches during the episode) and in 2007 hosted ''Shaq's Big Challenge'', a reality show on ABC in which he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.

When the Lakers faced the Heat on January 16, 2006, O'Neal and Bryant made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before the game, an event that was believed to signify the end of the so-called "[[Bryant–O'Neal feud]]" that had festered since O'Neal left Los Angeles. O'Neal was quoted as saying that he accepted the advice of NBA legend [[Bill Russell]] to make peace with Bryant.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=260116013 |work=ESPN |title=Miami vs. Los Angeles – Recap |date=January 16, 2006 |agency= Associated Press |access-date=May 13, 2006 |archive-date=June 14, 2006 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060614034500/http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=260116013 |url-status=dead }}</ref> On June 22, 2008, O'Neal [[Freestyle rap|freestyled]] a [[diss rap]] about Bryant in a New York club. While rapping, O'Neal blamed Bryant for his divorce from his wife Shaunie and claims to have received a [[vasectomy]], as part of a rhyme. He also taunted Bryant for not being able to win a championship without him. O'Neal led the audience to mockingly chant several times "Kobe, tell me how my ass tastes".<ref>{{cite news|url=https://tmz.com/2008/06/23/shaq-attacks-kobe-you-ruined-my-marriage/|work=TMZ|title=Shaq Attacks Kobe: You Ruined My Marriage|date=June 23, 2008|access-date=December 9, 2011|archive-date= December 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111207081323/http://www.tmz.com/2008/06/23/shaq-attacks-kobe-you-ruined-my-marriage|url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neal justified his act by saying "I was freestyling. That's all. It was all done in fun. Nothing serious whatsoever. That is what MCs do. They freestyle when called upon. I'm totally cool with Kobe. No issue at all."<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3458056 |title=Shaq takes a freestyle swipe at Kobe |work= ESPN.com |agency=Associated Press |date=June 23, 2008 |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=June 30, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080630003446/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=3458056 |url-status=live }}</ref> Although even other exponents of [[hip hop music|hip hop]], such as [[Snoop Dogg]], [[Nas]] and Cory Gunz, agreed with O'Neal,<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1589908/20080624/id_0.jhtml |title= Snoop Dogg, Nas, Cory Gunz See Nothing Wrong With Shaquille O'Neal's Anti-Kobe Freestyle |publisher= | website =MTV.com |first= Shaheem |last=Reid |date=June 24, 2008 |access-date=June 25, 2008 |archive-date=September 28, 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080928182005/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1589908/20080624/id_0.jhtml |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Maricopa County, Arizona|Maricopa County]], Arizona Sheriff [[Joe Arpaio]] expressed his intention to relieve O'Neal of his Maricopa County sheriff posse badge, due to "use of a racially derogatory word and other foul language". The racial quote from his song was "it's like a white boy trying to be more [[nigga]] than me."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2008/06/23/sports/s170747D71.DTL |title=Shaq booted from sheriff's 'posse' for Kobe rap |agency=Associated Press |date=June 24, 2008 | work=San Francisco Chronicle }} {{Dead link|date=January 2012|bot=RjwilmsiBot}}</ref>

===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
| background        = solo_singer
| image_size        = 275
| birth_date        = 
| origin            = 
| genre             = [[Hip hop music|Hip hop]], [[electronic dance music]]
| occupation        = [[Rapping|Rapper]], [[Disc jockey|DJ]]
| years_active      = 1993–2001; 2017–present
| label             = [[Jive Records|Jive]], [[Interscope Records|Interscope]], [[A&M Records|A&M]], [[Trauma Records|Trauma]], [[Monstercat]]
| associated_acts   = [[Lord Tariq and Peter Gunz]], [[DJ Kayslay]], [[Nghtmre]], [[Lil Jon]]
}}

Beginning in 1993, O'Neal began to compose [[rap music]]. He released five studio albums and one [[compilation album]]. Although his rapping abilities were criticized at the outset,<ref>{{cite web |title=Shaq Diesel |url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r188424/review |work=[[AllMusic|allmusicguide.com]] |access-date=February 17, 2021 |archive-date=October 30, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232017/https://www.allmusic.com/album/shaq-diesel-mw0000105690 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |date=December 13, 1996 |title=You Can't Stop the Reign |url=http://www.ew.com/article/1996/12/13/you-cant-stop-reign |magazine= [[Entertainment Weekly]] |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131221173311/http://www.ew.com/ew/article/0,,295411,00.html |archive-date=December 21, 2013 |url-status=live |access-date=December 7, 2019}}</ref> one critic credited him with "progressing as a rapper in small steps, not leaps and bounds".<ref>[{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r554240/review|pure_url=yes}} "Shaquille O'Neal Presents His Superfriends, Vol. 1" review] ''[[AllMusic|allmusicguide.com]]''</ref> His 1993 debut album, ''[[Shaq Diesel]]'', received [[Music recording certification|platinum certification]] from the [[Recording Industry Association of America|RIAA]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Bleier |first1=Evan |title=30 Years Later, Shaquille O'Neal Reflets on 'Shaq Diesel' |url=https://www.insidehook.com/music/30-years-shaquille-oneal-shaq-diesel-1993 |access-date=May 10, 2024 |date=December 13, 2023}}</ref>

O'Neal was featured alongside [[Michael Jackson]] as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's 1995 album ''[[HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I|HIStory]]''. He contributed three tracks, including the song "We Genie", to the ''[[Kazaam]]'' [[Kazaam (soundtrack)|soundtrack]].<ref name= "AllmusicReview">{{AllMusic|class=album|id=r252894|access-date=June 17, 2011}}</ref> O'Neal was also featured in [[Aaron Carter]]'s 2001 hit single "[[That's How I Beat Shaq]]". Shaq also appears in the music video for the release.<ref name= "aaron">{{cite news |author=Adi Joseph |date=March 6, 2013 |title=Shaq finally gets revenge on Aaron Carter |work= USA Today |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/03/06/shaquille-oneal-aaron-carter-thats-how-i-beat-shaq-revenge/1969265/ |access-date=March 26, 2013 |archive-date=March 24, 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130324223054/http://www.usatoday.com/story/gameon/2013/03/06/shaquille-oneal-aaron-carter-thats-how-i-beat-shaq-revenge/1969265/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

Shaquille O'Neal conducted the [[Boston Pops Orchestra]] at the [[Boston Symphony Hall]] on December 20, 2010.<ref>{{cite news |title=Shaq Conducts The Boston Pops |url=https://www.npr.org/2010/12/21/132237828/Shaq-Conducts-The-Boston-Pops |access-date=May 10, 2024 |publisher=NPR |date=December 21, 2010}}</ref>

O'Neal also started DJing in the 1980s at LSU.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Frisch |first1=Ian |title=Shaq's Next Act: Behind the Turntables |url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/shaqs-next-act-behind-the-turntables/ |website=Vice |date=October 14, 2015 |access-date=May 21, 2019 |archive-date=November 20, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191120022150/https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/3dg8q3/shaqs-next-act-behind-the-turntables |url-status=live }}</ref>

In 2016, O'Neal lip synced [[the B-52s]] song "[[Love Shack]]" on the television show ''[[Lip Sync Battle]]''.<ref name="Emery">{{cite news|url=https://www.thewrap.com/shaq-turns-into-a-maniac-aisha-tyler-plays-basketball-on-lip-sync-battle-showdown-video/|title=Shaq Turns into a 'Maniac,' Aisha Tyler Plays 'Basketball' in 'Lip Sync Battle' Showdown|last1=Emery|first1=Debbie|work=The Wrap|location=Los Angeles|date=June 2, 2016|access-date=April 8, 2020}}</ref> Since the second word of the song's title sounds just like O'Neal's famous nickname, host [[LL Cool J]] pointed out that O'Neal was singing a "love song to himself."<ref name="Emery" />

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>

On July 4, 2022, O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel at the [[Jersey City]] [[Independence Day (United States)|4th of July]] Festival with [[Flo Rida]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.nj.com/hudson/2022/06/flo-rida-shaq-to-perform-at-jersey-citys-4th-of-july-celebration.html|title=Flo Rida, Shaq to perform at Jersey City's 4th of July celebration|publisher=The Jersey Journal|date=June 8, 2022|access-date=March 5, 2025}}</ref>

On June 7, 2023, O'Neal released his first single as DJ Diesel from his debut album ''Gorilla Warfare'', titled "Bang Your Head" in collaboration with Hairitage.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://edm.com/music-releases/dj-diesel-shaq-new-album-hairitage-bang-your-head|title=DJ Diesel Announces Debut Album, Unleashes No-Holds-Barred Single With Hairitage, 'Bang Your Head' |first=Cameron|last=Sunkel|date=June 7, 2023|website=EDM.com |access-date=June 8, 2023|archive-date=June 7, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230607142911/https://edm.com/music-releases/dj-diesel-shaq-new-album-hairitage-bang-your-head|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was released on August 18.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-08-18 |title=Shaquille O'Neal, aka DIESEL, releases debut album |url=https://djmag.com/news/shaquille-oneal-aka-diesel-releases-debut-album-listen |access-date=2023-08-19 |website= DJMag.com |language=en |archive-date=August 19, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230819175829/https://djmag.com/news/shaquille-oneal-aka-diesel-releases-debut-album-listen |url-status=live }}</ref>

He contributed a verse to the rapper [[Redman (rapper)|Redman]]'s track "Lite It Up" from the ''Muddy Waters Too'' album, released December 24, 2024.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/871806-redman-muddy-waters-too-stream |title=Redman Finally Delivers "Muddy Waters Too" With Star-Studded Cast |work=hotnewhiphop.com |last=Horvath |first=Zachary |date=December 24, 2024 |access-date=January 13, 2025}}</ref>

===Education===
O'Neal dropped out of LSU for the NBA after three years. However, he promised his mother he would eventually return to his studies and complete his [[bachelor's degree]]. He fulfilled that promise in 2000, earning his [[Bachelor of Arts|B.A.]] degree in general studies from LSU,<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102897654/nba-star-is-now-shaq-graddy/ |title=NBA star is now Shaq Graddy |first=Nakia |last=Hogan |newspaper=[[The Times (Shreveport)|The Times]] |location=Shreveport, Louisiana |department=Sports |page=1C |date= December 16, 2000 |access-date=May 31, 2022 |via=[[Newspapers.com]] |archive-date=May 31, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531145159/https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102897654/nba-star-is-now-shaq-graddy/ |url-status=live }}</ref> with a minor in [[political science]].<ref>[https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=100078&page=1 Shaquille O'Neal Graduates From College] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181006155003/https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/story?id=100078&page=1 |date=October 6, 2018 }}. ABC News. December 15, 2000.</ref> Coach [[Phil Jackson]] let O'Neal miss a home game so he could attend graduation. At the ceremony, he told the crowd "now I can go and get a real job".

Subsequently, O'Neal earned an online [[Master of Business Administration|MBA]] degree through the [[University of Phoenix]] in 2005. In reference to his completion of his MBA degree, he stated: "It's just something to have on my resume for when I go back into reality. Someday I might have to put down a basketball and have a regular 9-to-5 like everybody else."<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8357843/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050627013656/http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/8357843/ |archive-date=June 27, 2005 |title=The Big Executive? Shaq masters MBA |agency=Associated Press |publisher= MSNBC |date=June 26, 2005}}</ref>

Toward the end of his playing career, O'Neal began work on an educational doctorate at [[Barry University]].<ref name= "nytimes.com">{{cite news | work = The New York Times | date= August 15, 2010| url= https://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/magazine/15fob-q4-t.html?ref=magazine | title= Questions For Shaquille O'Neal – Hoop Dreams – Interview| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20170611011023/http://www.nytimes.com/2010/08/15/magazine/15fob-q4-t.html?ref=magazine |archive-date=June 11, 2017 | access-date = August 13, 2010}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | year =2010| website= barry.edu | publisher = Barry University | url= http://www.barry.edu/hrdedd/default.htm | title= Educational Doctorate (Ed.D.) in Human Resource Development, Barry University| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20120126054428/http://www.barry.edu/hrdedd/default.htm |archive-date=January 26, 2012 | access-date = August 13, 2010}}</ref> His doctoral capstone<ref>{{cite web |url=http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2012/04/shaquille_oneal_barry_universi.php |title=Shaquille O'Neal, Barry University Student, Is Not Actually Doing a Dissertation | first=Gus | last= Garcia-Roberts |date=April 19, 2012 |access-date=May 4, 2012 |archive-date=May 9, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120509052026/http://blogs.miaminewtimes.com/riptide/2012/04/shaquille_oneal_barry_universi.php |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.barry.edu/hrdedd/shaqpic.htm |title=Shaquille O'Neal and ADSOE Faculty | website= barry.edu | publisher = Barry University| access-date=May 4, 2012 |archive-date=May 10, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120510170110/http://www.barry.edu/hrdedd/shaqpic.htm |url-status=live }}</ref> topic was "The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles".<ref name="nytimes.com" /><ref>page 3 of {{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/08/29/big_man_on_campus_shaq_owns_harvard_yard/ |title=BIG man on campus |first=Shira | last= Springer |date=August 29, 2010 |work=The Boston Globe |access-date=August 30, 2010 |archive-date= August 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830130737/http://www.boston.com/sports/basketball/celtics/articles/2010/08/29/big_man_on_campus_shaq_owns_harvard_yard/ |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Neal received his [[Doctor of Education|Ed.D.]] degree in [[Human Resource Development]] from Barry in 2012.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/05/sport/dr-shaq/index.html?hpt=us_c2 |title=Shaquille O'Neal to receive doctorate degree |first=Lateef | last= Mungin |date=May 5, 2012 |work=CNN.com |access-date=May 7, 2012 |archive-date=May 7, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120507061727/http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/05/sport/dr-shaq/index.html?hpt=us_c2 |url-status=live }}</ref> He told a reporter for [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC News]] that he planned to further his education by attending law school.<ref>{{cite news|last=Knaub|first= Kelly|url=http://abcnewsradioonline.com/entertainment-news/shaquille-oneal-earns-doctorate-degree.html|title= Shaquille O'Neal earns Doctorate|website=  abcnewsradioonline.com |publisher=ABC Radio News |date=May 6, 2012|access-date=May 6, 2012|archive-date=August 7, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120807160237/http://abcnewsradioonline.com/entertainment-news/shaquille-oneal-earns-doctorate-degree.html}}</ref>

In 2009, O'Neal attended the [[Sportscaster U.]] training camp at [[S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications]] at [[Syracuse University]].<ref>{{cite news |last1=Thamel |first1=Pete |author-link=Pete Thamel |title=O'Neal Hopes to Be Next Big Thing in Broadcasting |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/sports/basketball/20shaq.html |access-date= March 21, 2021 |work=[[The New York Times]] |date=May 20, 2009 |archive-date=March 18, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210318024207/https://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/20/sports/basketball/20shaq.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Long |first1=Lauren |title=Shaq attends Sportscaster U at Syracuse University |url=https://www.syracuse.com/today/2009/05/shaq_attends_sportscaster_u_at.html |access-date=March 21, 2021 |work=[[The Post-Standard]] |date=May 19, 2009 |language=en |archive-date=October 17, 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211017230102/https://www.syracuse.com/today/2009/05/shaq_attends_sportscaster_u_at.html |url-status=live }}</ref> Additionally, he studied directing and cinematography with the [[New York Film Academy]]'s Filmmaking Conservatory.<ref>{{cite news|title= Shaquille O'Neal set to graduate from New York Film Academy: NBA star wants to be a director|url=http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/shaquille-o-neal-set-graduate-new-york-film-academy-nba-star-director-article-1.949991|newspaper=Daily News|date=August 16, 2011|access-date=August 5, 2013|archive-date=September 29, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130929020320/http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/tv-movies/shaquille-o-neal-set-graduate-new-york-film-academy-nba-star-director-article-1.949991|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Law enforcement===
O'Neal maintained a high level of interest in the workings of police departments and became personally involved in law enforcement. O'Neal went through the [[Los Angeles County Sheriff]]'s Reserve Academy and became a reserve officer with the [[Los Angeles Port Police]]. 
On March 2, 2005, O'Neal was given an honorary [[United States Marshals Service|U.S. Deputy Marshal]] title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation; he served an honorary role on the task force of the same name, which tracks down [[sexual predator]]s who target children on the Internet.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/basketball/nba/specials/playoffs/2005/05/25/shaq/index.html?cnn=yes |publisher=Sports Illustrated |title=Going undercover -Shaq helps task force track Internet sex predators |date=May 25, 2005 |access-date=August 10, 2005 |archive-date=May 27, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050527054921/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2005/basketball/nba/specials/playoffs/2005/05/25/shaq/index.html?cnn=yes |url-status=live }}</ref>

Upon his trade to Miami, O'Neal began training to become a [[Miami Beach, Florida|Miami Beach]] reserve officer. On December 8, 2005, he was sworn in, but elected for a private ceremony to avoid distracting attention from the other officers. He assumed a $1-per-year salary in this capacity.<ref name="policeoff">{{cite news |url=http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/10397089/ |title=Shaq sworn in as reserve police officer |agency=Associated Press |publisher=NBCSports.com |date=December 10, 2005 |access-date=March 22, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081029062839/http://nbcsports.msnbc.com/id/10397089/ |archive-date=October 29, 2008 }}</ref> Shortly thereafter, in Miami, O'Neal witnessed a [[hate crime]] (assaulting a man while calling out [[homophobic]] slurs) and called [[Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office|Miami-Dade police]], describing the suspect and helping police, over his cell phone, track the offender.<ref name="policeoff" /> O'Neal's actions resulted in the arrest of two suspects on charges of [[aggravated battery]], assault, and a [[hate crime]].<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.justnews.com/news/5244919/detail.html |title=Second Man Arrested After Tip From Shaquille O'Neal |date=November 3, 2005 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090714110415/http://www.justnews.com/news/5244919/detail.html | archive-date=July 14, 2009}}</ref>

In September 2006, O'Neal took part in a raid on a home in rural [[Bedford County, Virginia]]. O'Neal had been made an "honorary deputy" by the local sheriff's department. O'Neal was not qualified as a SWAT officer.<ref>{{cite book |last=Balko |first=Radley |title=Rise of the Warrior Cop: The Militarization of America's Police Forces|publisher=PublicAffairs |date=July 9, 2013 |pages=288–289 |chapter=Chapter 8: THE 2000s- A WHOLE NEW WAR |isbn=978-1-61039-212-9}} Kindle Location 5188</ref>

In June 2008, the [[Bedford County, Virginia]], and [[Maricopa County, Arizona]], sheriff departments revoked O'Neal's special deputyship after a video surfaced of him rapping about [[Kobe Bryant]] and using racial slurs.<ref>{{cite web|last=Sidener|first=Carrie J.|title=Bedford severs ties to Shaquille O'Neal|url=https://newsadvance.com/news/local/bedford-severs-ties-to-shaquille-oneal/article_27d6fb92-6214-55e4-b9dc-1ae74cc8169e.html|access-date=December 28, 2020|website=NewsAdvance.com|date=June 25, 2008|language=en|archive-date=July 15, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210715063734/https://newsadvance.com/news/local/bedford-severs-ties-to-shaquille-oneal/article_27d6fb92-6214-55e4-b9dc-1ae74cc8169e.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date=June 24, 2008|title=Sheriff wants Shaq's badges back after Kobe rap|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3459208|access-date=December 28, 2020|website=ESPN|language=en|archive-date=November 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201109043102/https://www.espn.com/nba/news/story?id=3459208|url-status=live}}</ref>

On January 20, 2015, O'Neal was sworn in as a reserve officer for [[Doral, Florida]]'s police force.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12202263/shaquille-oneal-becomes-reserve-police-officer-south-florida | title=Shaq becomes reserve police officer in Florida | date=January 21, 2015 | access-date=May 31, 2022 | archive-date=May 31, 2022 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220531162012/https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/12202263/shaquille-oneal-becomes-reserve-police-officer-south-florida | url-status=live }}</ref> In December 2016, O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in [[Jonesboro, Georgia]], as part of [[Clayton County, Georgia]] Sheriff's Department. O'Neal holds the county record of Tallest Sheriff's Deputy.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ajc.com/entertainment/shaq-now-sheriff-deputy-georgia/IUtfx4XZY7BxQDApqJcjzH/|title=Shaq is now a sheriff's deputy in Georgia|last=Brett|first=Jennifer|newspaper=The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=December 6, 2016|archive-date=December 6, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161206162917/http://www.ajc.com/entertainment/shaq-now-sheriff-deputy-georgia/IUtfx4XZY7BxQDApqJcjzH/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Acting===
Starting with ''[[Blue Chips]]'' and ''[[Kazaam]]'', O'Neal appeared in films that were panned by some critics.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.film4.com/reviews/1994/blue-chips |title=Blue Chips (1994) – Film Review from |publisher=Film4 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |archive-date=July 21, 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110721175052/http://www.film4.com/reviews/1994/blue-chips |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://rottentomatoes.com/m/kazaam/ |title=Kazaam Movie Reviews, Pictures |website=Rotten Tomatoes |access-date=August 5, 2010 |archive-date=July 13, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100713184853/http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/kazaam/? |url-status=live }}</ref>

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/2001/film/columns/touchy-topic-addressed-in-upcoming-pix-1117851683/ |title=Touchy topic addressed in upcoming pix |work=Variety |date=August 23, 2001 |access-date=April 6, 2008 |author-link=Army Archerd |archive-date=December 6, 2008 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081206085908/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1117851683.html?categoryid=2&cs=1 }}</ref> O'Neal appeared as Officer Fluzoo in the comedy sequel ''[[Grown Ups 2]]''.

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), ''[[NBA Ballers]]'' (2004), ''[[NBA Live 2004]]'', and ''[[NBA Ballers: Phenom]]'' (2006)<ref>{{cite web|title=NBA Ballers: Phenom Characters|url=http://www.giantbomb.com/nba-ballers-phenom/61-11686/characters/?page=2/|work=giantbomb.com|access-date=August 11, 2012|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232018/https://www.giantbomb.com/nba-ballers-phenom/3030-11686/characters/?page=2%2F|url-status=live}}</ref> as a current player and as a 1990s All-Star. O'Neal starred in ''[[Shaq Fu]]'', a fighting game for the [[Super Nintendo Entertainment System]] and [[Sega Genesis]].<ref>{{cite magazine |title=What the Hell Happened? |magazine=[[Next Generation (magazine)|Next Generation]] |issue=40|publisher=[[Imagine Media]] |date=April 1998|page=45}}</ref> A sequel, ''[[Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn]]'', was released in 2018.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Sarkar |first1=Samit |title=Shaquille O'Neal funding Shaq Fu sequel on Indiegogo for $450K |work=[[Polygon (website)|Polygon]] |date=March 6, 2014 |url=https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/6/5477502/shaquille-oneal-shaq-fu-a-legend-reborn-indiegogo-450k |access-date=May 19, 2018 |archive-date=May 20, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180520124629/https://www.polygon.com/2014/3/6/5477502/shaquille-oneal-shaq-fu-a-legend-reborn-indiegogo-450k |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Neal also appeared in ''[[Quest for the Code]]'' in 2002 as a voice actor,<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://starbright.org/press/asthma_launch.html|title=STARBRIGHT FOUNDATION LAUNCHES QUEST FOR THE CODE, A STAR-STUDDED INTERACTIVE CD-ROM GAME FOR CHILDREN WITH ASTHMA|date=2002-05-28|access-date=2023-02-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030221001508/http://starbright.org/press/asthma_launch.html|archive-date=2003-02-21}}</ref> ''[[Backyard Sports series|Backyard Basketball]]'' in 2004, ''[[Ready 2 Rumble Boxing: Round 2]]'' as a playable boxer, and as an unlockable character in ''[[Delta Force: Black Hawk Down]]''. O'Neal was also an unlockable character in ''[[UFC Undisputed 2010]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://news.softpedia.com/news/Shaquille-O-Neal-Is-A-Playable-Fighter-in-UFC-Undisputed-2010-143056.shtml|title=Shaquille O'Neal Is a Playable Fighter in UFC Undisputed 2010|publisher=Softpedia|access-date=May 7, 2012|date=May 26, 2010|first=Mihail|last=Cernea|archive-date=December 12, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131212065544/http://news.softpedia.com/news/Shaquille-O-Neal-Is-A-Playable-Fighter-in-UFC-Undisputed-2010-143056.shtml|url-status=live}}</ref> In 2024, O'Neal collaborated with ''[[Fortnite]]'' to appear as player skins,<ref>{{cite news |last1=Burias |first1=Arman Lorenzo |title=NBA Legend Shaq Comes to Fortnite in New Collab |url=https://www.designrush.com/news/nba-legend-shaq-comes-to-fortnite-in-new-collab |access-date=2 March 2025 |work=Design Rush |date=4 October 2024}}</ref> including his DJ Diesel persona and rendition as [[LEGO minifigure]] in ''[[LEGO Fortnite]]''.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Yates |first1=Jack |title=Shaquille O'Neal returns as a LEGO minifigure via Fortnite |url=https://www.brickfanatics.com/shaquille-oneal-lego-minifigure-via-fortnite/ |access-date=2 March 2025 |work=BrickFanatics |date=5 October 2024}}</ref>

===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 also participated in the 2002 [[Discovery Channel]] special ''Motorcycle Mania 2'', requesting an exceptionally large bike to fit his large size from famed custom motorcycle builder [[Jesse James (customizer)|Jesse James]],<ref>{{cite web|title=Motorcycle Mania 2 (2004) |url=http://www.blockbuster.com/browse/catalog/movieDetails/212500 |work= blockbuster.com |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110313025013/http://www.blockbuster.com/browse/catalog/movieDetails/212500 |archive-date=March 13, 2011}}</ref>; in addition to this, O'Neal also appeared in the first ''[[Idol Gives Back]]'' in 2007,<ref>{{cite web|last=Caruso |first=Andrea |title= American Idol's Ryan Seacrest Gives Back to Idol Gives Back |url=http://voices.yahoo.com/american-idols-ryan-seacrest-gives-back-idol-gives-1359669.html |work= voices.yahoo.com |access-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140728223440/http://voices.yahoo.com/american-idols-ryan-seacrest-gives-back-idol-gives-1359669.html |archive-date=July 28, 2014}}</ref> on an episode of ''[[Fear Factor]]'',<ref>{{cite web|last=Blackmon |first=Joe |title=Shaquille O'Neal On Fear Factor |url=http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2006/07/10/shaquille-oneal-on-fear-factor/ |work=Reality TV Magazine |access-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111107132309/http://realitytvmagazine.sheknows.com/2006/07/10/shaquille-oneal-on-fear-factor/ |archive-date=November 7, 2011 }}</ref> and on an episode of MTV's ''[[Jackass (franchise)|Jackass]]'', where he was lifted off the ground on [[Jason Acuña|Wee Man]]'s back.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jackass {{!}} Jason "Wee-Man" Acuna|url=http://www.mtv.ca/mtv2/show_cast_member.jhtml?cid=10193&id=10099|work=mtv.ca|access-date=August 11, 2012}}{{dead link|date=March 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> O'Neal was a [[professional wrestling]] fan and made appearances at many [[World Wrestling Entertainment|WWE]] and [[All Elite Wrestling|AEW]] events.<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaq takes out Big Show on Raw |url=http://www.wwe.com/videos/shaq-takes-out-big-show-on-raw-25019807 |work=wwe.com |access-date=August 11, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120330105015/http://www.wwe.com/videos/shaq-takes-out-big-show-on-raw-25019807 |archive-date=March 30, 2012 }}</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>

O'Neal starred in a reality show called ''[[Shaq Vs.]]'' which premiered on August 18, 2009, on [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]].<ref>{{cite news|title= O'Neal courts competition on new reality show 'Shaq Vs.'|url=https://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2009-07-19-shaquille-reality-show_N.htm|work=USA Today|access-date=August 11, 2012|first=Gary|last=Levin|date=July 20, 2009|archive-date= December 5, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101205080134/http://www.usatoday.com/life/television/news/2009-07-19-shaquille-reality-show_N.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> The show featured O'Neal competing against other athletes at their own sports.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=4343990 |title=Shaq to star in TV sports reality series – NBA |work=ESPN |date=July 21, 2009 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |archive-date= November 5, 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105132552/http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/wire?section=nba&id=4343990 |url-status= live }}</ref>

On July 14, 2011, O'Neal announced that he would join [[Turner Network Television]] (TNT) as an analyst on its NBA basketball games, joining [[Ernie Johnson, Jr.|Ernie Johnson]], [[Kenny Smith]], and [[Charles Barkley]].<ref>{{cite web |author=Shaq |url=http://www.tout.com/p3mp80 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210308134858/http://www.tout.com/p3mp80 |archive-date=March 8, 2021 |title=Life's Moments |publisher=TOUT |date=July 14, 2011 |access-date=March 29, 2012 }}</ref>

He hosted the show ''[[Upload with Shaquille O'Neal]]'' which aired on [[TruTV]] for one season.

In September 2015, whilst promoting sportswear giant [[Reebok]] in [[South Korea]], O'Neal joined the cast in the [[South Korea]]n variety television show ''[[Off to School]]'' where he went to Seo Incheon High School. The show features various celebrities attending a selected high school as students for three days.<ref>{{cite web|last1=Kang|first1= Byeong-jin|title=NBA 스타 샤킬 오닐, '학교 다녀오겠습니다' 출연한다|url=http://www.huffingtonpost.kr/2015/08/12/story_n_7975082.html|website=The Huffington Post Korea|date=August 12, 2015|access-date=August 14, 2015|archive-date=September 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921114623/http://www.huffingtonpost.kr/2015/08/12/story_n_7975082.html}}</ref> The producer of the show, Kim No-eun said, "We've worked hard on our guest list this season, so [[Yoshihiro Akiyama|Choo Seong Hoon]] will be appearing on a cable channel for the first time. Shaquille O'Neal will be on the show as well. We succeeded in casting him after a lot of effort. O'Neal will be visiting Korea for a promotion and will be visiting the school on the last day. He will have lunch with the students. We're even preparing a big match between Choo Seong Hoon and Shaquille O'Neal. We're specially preparing a uniform for Shaquille O'Neal."<ref>{{cite web|title=Shaquille O'Neal and Chu Sung Hoon to Guest on "Off to School"|url=http://www.soompi.com/2015/08/12/shaquille-oneal-and-chu-sung-hoon-to-guest-on-off-to-school/|website=soompi|access-date=September 14, 2015|date=August 12, 2015|archive-date=September 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150914184232/http://www.soompi.com/2015/08/12/shaquille-oneal-and-chu-sung-hoon-to-guest-on-off-to-school/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1= Smiley|first1=Brett|title=Watch: Shaq fist-bumps giddy students in return to high school on Korean TV show|url=http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/shaquille-oneal-korean-high-school-tv-show-090215|website=foxsports|access-date=September 14, 2015|date= September 2, 2015|archive-date=October 16, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151016200245/http://www.foxsports.com/buzzer/story/shaquille-oneal-korean-high-school-tv-show-090215|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Heck|first1=Jordan|title=Shaq became high school student for Korean TV show|url=http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2015-09-02/shaq-korean-tv-show-video-high-school-student|website= sportingnews.com |access-date= September 14, 2015|date=September 2, 2015| archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906064648/http://www.sportingnews.com/nba/story/2015-09-02/shaq-korean-tv-show-video-high-school-student}}</ref>

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===
O'Neal frequently appears in television commercials. He has appeared in several [[Pepsi]] commercials, such as a 1995 advertisement which parodied shows like ''[[I Love Lucy]]'' (the "Job Switching" episode), ''[[Bonanza]]'', and ''[[Woody Woodpecker]]''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Watch Pepsi and Shaq reunite in ad for mini cans |url=https://adage.com/article/marketing-news-strategy/pepsi-and-shaq-reunite-ad-mini-cans/2530466/ |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=adage.com |language=en}}</ref> He has also appeared in commercials for companies such as [[Reebok]], [[Nestlé Crunch]], [[Gold Bond]], [[Buick]], [[The General (insurance)|The General]], [[Papa John's]], [[Hulu]], [[Epson]], [[Carnival Cruise Line|Carnival Cruises]], [[Frosted Flakes]], [[American Express]], [[Vitamin Water]], and [[IcyHot]], among others.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hayes |first=Jeremy |date=2021-10-02 |title=Shaq's Greatest Acting Performances In Commercials, Ranked |url=https://www.buzzfeed.com/jeremyhayes/greatest-shaq-commercials |access-date=2025-05-10 |website=BuzzFeed |language=en}}</ref>

===Mixed martial arts===
O'Neal began training in [[mixed martial arts]] (MMA) in 2000. At Jonathan Burke's Gracie Gym, he trained in [[boxing]], [[jujutsu|jiu-jitsu]], [[Muay Thai]] and [[wrestling]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=de Souza |first1=Diogo |title=Shaquille O'Neal On His Grappling Training: 'I Didn't Start Winning Until I Started Doing This' |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/shaquille-oneal-on-his-grappling-training-i-didnt-start-winning-until-i-started-doing-this/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=April 28, 2024 |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref> At the gym, he used the nickname Diesel.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Shaquille-O-Neal-hoopster-twitter-fan-MMA-fig?urn=mma,161678 |title=Shaquille O'Neal: hoopster, twitter fan, MMA fighter? |author=Hendricks, Maggie |work=Yahoo! Sports |date=May 6, 2009 |access-date=July 22, 2009 |archive-date=May 11, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090511155947/http://sports.yahoo.com/mma/blog/cagewriter/post/Shaquille-O-Neal-hoopster-twitter-fan-MMA-fig?urn=mma,161678 |url-status=live }}</ref> O'Neal challenged [[kickboxer]] and mixed martial artist [[Choi Hong-man]] to a mixed martial arts rules bout in a YouTube video posted on June 17, 2009. Choi replied to an email asking him if he would like to fight O'Neal saying "Yes, if there is a chance." Choi also responded to a question asking if O'Neal had a chance of winning with a simple "No."<ref>{{cite web |url=http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/hong-man-choi-accepts-shaquille-oneals-mixed-martial-arts-chal/ |title=Hong Man Choi Accepts Shaquille O'Neal's Mixed Martial Arts Challenge – MMA Fighting |publisher=Mma.fanhouse.com |date=October 21, 2009 |access-date=August 5, 2010 |archive-date=December 8, 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091208143358/http://mma.fanhouse.com/2009/10/05/hong-man-choi-accepts-shaquille-oneals-mixed-martial-arts-chal/ }}</ref> On August 28, 2010, in an interview at [[UFC 118]] in Boston, O'Neal reiterated his desire to fight Choi.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/08/29/shaquille-oneal-takes-in-ufc-118-still-wants-to-fight-hong-man/ |title=Shaquille O'Neal Takes in UFC 118 Still Wants to Fight Hong Man Choi |publisher=www.mmafighting.com |date=August 28, 2010 |access-date=August 29, 2010 |archive-date=August 30, 2010 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830183013/http://www.mmafighting.com/2010/08/29/shaquille-oneal-takes-in-ufc-118-still-wants-to-fight-hong-man/ |url-status=live }}</ref> In 2023, [[Chael Sonnen]] revealed that he once attempted to arrange a grappling match between O'Neal and multiple-time [[Ultimate Fighting Championship|UFC]] world champion [[Georges St-Pierre]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Burne |first1=Kathrine |title=Chael Sonnen Tried To Book A Grappling Match Between Georges St-Pierre And Shaquille O'Neal |url=https://jitsmagazine.com/chael-sonnen-tried-to-book-a-grappling-match-between-georges-st-pierre-and-shaquille-oneal/ |website=Jitsmagazine |date=September 23, 2022 |access-date=28 April 2024}}</ref>

===Professional wrestling===
[[File:WrestleMania WrestleMania 32 April 2016 (4x5 cropped).jpg|thumb|O'Neal (left) facing [[Big Show]] during the [[André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal|Andre The Giant Memorial Battle Royal]] at [[WrestleMania 32]] in [[Arlington, Texas]], in April 2016]]
A lifelong [[professional wrestling]] fan, O'Neal has made numerous appearances at televised events over the years for four different promotions.<ref name= shaqaewdebut>{{cite news|url=https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-shaq-first-appearance-aew-dynamite-ends-brandi-rhodes-throwing-water-video/|title=Watch: Shaq's First Appearance on AEW Dynamite Ended Badly|first=Connor|last=Casey|publisher=Comic Book.com|date=December 9, 2020|access-date= December 9, 2020|archive-date= December 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201210020646/https://comicbook.com/wwe/news/aew-shaq-first-appearance-aew-dynamite-ends-brandi-rhodes-throwing-water-video/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/shaquille-oneal-cody-rhodes-aew/|title=Shaquille O'Neal Wants To Wrestle Cody Rhodes In AEW|work=[[Pro Wrestling Sheet]]|first=Ryan|last=Satin|author-link=Ryan Satin|date=August 24, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|archive-date=January 18, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210118015241/https://www.prowrestlingsheet.com/shaquille-oneal-cody-rhodes-aew/|url-status=live}}</ref> His favorite wrestlers are [[Tony Atlas]], [[Junkyard Dog]], [[André the Giant]], and [[Brock Lesnar]].<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nba.com/news/shaq-attack-oneal-ready-to-rumble-in-tag-match-for-aew|title=Shaq Attack: O'Neal ready to rumble in tag match for AEW|agency=[[Associated Press]]|publisher=[[National Basketball Association]]|first=Dan|last=Gelston|date=March 1, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303174432/https://www.nba.com/news/shaq-attack-oneal-ready-to-rumble-in-tag-match-for-aew|url-status=live}}</ref>

In 1994, O'Neal made several appearances in [[World Championship Wrestling]] (WCW), including at the [[Bash at the Beach (1994)|Bash at the Beach pay per view]], where he presented the title belt to the winner of the [[WCW World Heavyweight Championship]] match between [[Hulk Hogan]] and [[Ric Flair]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uproxx.com/sports/heres-a-portrait-of-shaquille-oneal-and-hulk-hogan-in-new-york-city-on-911|title=Here's A Portrait Of Shaquille O'Neal And Hulk Hogan In New York City On 9/11|date=October 24, 2012|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160404021336/http://uproxx.com/sports/heres-a-portrait-of-shaquille-oneal-and-hulk-hogan-in-new-york-city-on-911/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July 2009, O'Neal served as the guest host for a live broadcast of [[WWE|World Wrestling Entertainment]] (WWE)'s ''[[Monday Night Raw]]''. As part of the show, O'Neal got into a physical altercation with seven-foot-tall wrestler [[Big Show]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Shaquille-O-Neal-hosts-Monday-Night-Raw-gets-?urn=nba,179212|title=Shaquille O'Neal hosts 'Monday Night Raw,' gets physical|access-date=January 15, 2017|archive-date=September 8, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170908065310/https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Shaquille-O-Neal-hosts-Monday-Night-Raw-gets-?urn=nba,179212|url-status=live}}</ref> In September 2012, O'Neal made a guest appearance on [[Total Nonstop Action Wrestling]] (TNA)'s ''[[Impact Wrestling (TV series)|Impact Wrestling]]'' program, where he had a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_65371.shtml#.VwwO2fkrKM8|title= Shaq one-segment appearance, TV Title status, next week's theme, more|website= pwtorch.com|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=April 24, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160424231528/http://www.pwtorch.com/artman2/publish/TNA_News_1/article_65371.shtml#.VwwO2fkrKM8|url-status=live}}</ref>

In April 2016, O'Neal participated in his first-ever match, when he was a surprise celebrity entry in the [[André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal]] at [[WrestleMania 32]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/article/shaquille-oneal-wrestlemania-32-battle-royal|title=Shaquille O'Neal entered the Andre the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32|access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114184332/http://www.wwe.com/shows/wrestlemania/32/article/shaquille-oneal-wrestlemania-32-battle-royal|url-status=live}}</ref> O'Neal eliminated [[Damien Sandow]], and had another confrontation with Big Show before being eliminated himself by most of the other wrestlers.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.411mania.com/wrestling/from-the-network-wwe-wrestlemania-32|title=Diot's WWE WrestleMania 32 Review |website= 411mania.com|access-date=April 11, 2016|archive-date=March 6, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170306060642/http://411mania.com/wrestling/from-the-network-wwe-wrestlemania-32/|url-status=live}}</ref> In July at the [[2016 ESPY Awards]] on the red carpet, Big Show and O'Neal had another brief confrontation.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2016/7/13/12184782/big-show-challenges-shaq-wrestlemania-33-match-espy-awards|title=Show challenges Shaq to a match at WrestleMania 33|first=Geno|last=Mrosko|date=July 13, 2016|website= Cageside Seats| access-date=January 14, 2018|archive-date=January 14, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180114185022/https://www.cagesideseats.com/wwe/2016/7/13/12184782/big-show-challenges-shaq-wrestlemania-33-match-espy-awards|url-status=live}}</ref> A match was proposed for [[WrestleMania 33]], which O'Neal accepted.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/07/14/shaquille-oneal-accepts-wrestlemania-challenge-from-big-show/|title=Shaquille O'Neal accepts WrestleMania challenge from Big Show|last=Bieler|first=Dan|newspaper= [[The Washington Post]]|date=July 16, 2016|access-date=July 14, 2016|archive-date=August 22, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160822072656/https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/early-lead/wp/2016/07/14/shaquille-oneal-accepts-wrestlemania-challenge-from-big-show/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://wsvn.com/entertainment/wwes-big-show-talks-to-deco-teases-wrestlemania-33/|title=WWE's Big Show talks to Deco, teases WrestleMania 33|date=November 16, 2016| last=Van Vliet| first= Chris|work= [[WSVN]].com |access-date=January 10, 2017|author-link=Chris Van Vliet|archive-date=January 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112175544/http://wsvn.com/entertainment/wwes-big-show-talks-to-deco-teases-wrestlemania-33/| url-status=live}}</ref> In January 2017, the two began calling each other out on social media, posting workout videos of themselves preparing for the potential match.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/shaquille-oneal-challenges-big-show-2017?sf50055059=1|title=Shaquille O'Neal calls out Big Show|date=January 10, 2017|work=WWE|access-date=January 10, 2017|archive-date=January 12, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170112185420/http://www.wwe.com/article/shaquille-oneal-challenges-big-show-2017?sf50055059=1|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wwe.com/article/big-show-new-physique-prepares-for-wrestlemania?sf51049510=1|title=Big Show tweets out his incredible physique as he prepares for WrestleMania|date=January 15, 2017|author=WWE.com Staff|work=WWE|access-date=January 16, 2017|archive-date=March 25, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170325042559/http://www.wwe.com/article/big-show-new-physique-prepares-for-wrestlemania?sf51049510=1|url-status=live}}</ref> After weeks of discussion, the match was cancelled. According to [[Dave Meltzer]] of ''[[Wrestling Observer Newsletter]]'', the match was canceled due to monetary reasons, as both parties could not agree on a deal.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gerweck.net/2017/03/14/reason-why-wwe-canceled-shaq-vs-big-show-at-wrestlemania-33/|title=Reason why WWE canceled Shaq vs Big Show at WrestleMania 33|date=March 14, 2017|last=Gerweck|first=Steve|work=Gerweck.net|access-date=March 20, 2017|archive-date=August 24, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170824012157/http://www.gerweck.net/2017/03/14/reason-why-wwe-canceled-shaq-vs-big-show-at-wrestlemania-33/|url-status=live}}</ref> Big Show later stated it was scheduling issues on O'Neal's part that caused the cancellation.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://uproxx.com/prowrestling/big-show-wwe-interview-destiny-2-braun-strowman/5/|title=Big Show Thinks Braun Strowman Will Be One Of The All-Time Greats|date= January 12, 2018|access-date= January 14, 2018|archive-date=October 30, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231030232018/https://uproxx.com/prowrestling/big-show-wwe-interview-destiny-2-braun-strowman/|url-status= live}}</ref>

On the November 11, 2020 episode of ''[[AEW Dynamite]]'', [[Jade Cargill]] interrupted [[Cody Rhodes]] and teased the arrival of O'Neal in [[All Elite Wrestling]] (AEW).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jade-cargill-makes-debut-aew-dynamite-teases-arrival-shaquille-o-neal|title=Jade Cargill Makes Debut On AEW Dynamite, Teases The Arrival Of Shaquille O'Neal|work=Fightful|first=Jeremy|last=Lambert|date= November 11, 2020|access-date= November 11, 2020|archive-date= November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112035537/https://www.fightful.com/wrestling/jade-cargill-makes-debut-aew-dynamite-teases-arrival-shaquille-o-neal|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/shaquille-oneal-aew-debut-teased-dynamite-324941|title=Shaquille O'Neal AEW debut teased on Dynamite|work= [[Figure Four Online]]|first=Ethan|last= Renner|date=November 11, 2020|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date= November 12, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201112031820/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/shaquille-oneal-aew-debut-teased-dynamite-324941|url-status=live}}</ref> He made a cameo appearance on ''[[Being The Elite]]'' and it was later confirmed that O'Neal had been appearing backstage at recent AEW tapings, including [[Full Gear (2020)|Full Gear]].<ref>{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b6Mv-30qYoQ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211211/b6Mv-30qYoQ| archive-date=2021-12-11 |url-status=live|title="Full Gear Fall Out" – Being The Elite Ep. 229|publisher=[[Being The Elite]]|website= [[YouTube]]|date=November 9, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|time=21:50–22:00}}{{cbignore}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrestletalk.com/news/shaquille-oneal-was-backstage-at-aew-full-gear/|title=Shaquille O'Neal Was Backstage At AEW Full Gear|first=Louis|last=Dangoor|publisher=WrestleTalk|date=November 12, 2020|access-date=November 17, 2020|archive-date=November 13, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201113071452/https://wrestletalk.com/news/shaquille-oneal-was-backstage-at-aew-full-gear/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1211568-shaquille-oneal-young-bucks-standing-ovation-aew|title=The Young Bucks: Shaq Gave Us A Standing Ovation For FTR Match, His AEW Appearance Will Bring New Fans|work=Wrestlezone|first=Bill|last=Pritchard|date=November 29, 2020|access-date=December 7, 2020|archive-date=November 29, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201129163312/https://www.mandatory.com/wrestlezone/news/1211568-shaquille-oneal-young-bucks-standing-ovation-aew|url-status=live}}</ref> He appeared on the December 9 episode of ''AEW Dynamite'' and addressed AEW in a sit-down interview with [[Tony Schiavone]] and [[Brandi Rhodes]].<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=AEW|number=1336158927881383940|title=BREAKING NEWS @Shaq addresses #AEW with @tonyschiavone24! Watch #AEWDynamite this Wednesday night on @TNTDrama 8e/7c or http://AEWPlus.com by @FiteTV for our International fans. #AEWonTNT|author=All Elite Wrestling|author-link=All Elite Wrestling|date= December 7, 2020|access-date= December 7, 2020}}</ref> At the end of the interview, O'Neal got water thrown on him by Brandi after telling her to get pointers from Cargill, who had broken Brandi's arm several weeks ago.<ref>{{Cite tweet|user=BleacherReport|number= 1336854621541736454|title=.@SHAQ's first appearance on AEW was comedy Rolling on the floor laughing *NSFW*|author=Bleacher Report| author-link= Bleacher Report|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/brandi-rhodes-throws-water-swears-shaq-aew-dynamite-327191|title=Brandi Rhodes throws water, swears at Shaq on AEW Dynamite|work=[[Figure Four Online]]|first=Josh|last=Nason|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=December 10, 2020|archive-date=December 17, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201217063725/https://www.f4wonline.com/aew-news/brandi-rhodes-throws-water-swears-shaq-aew-dynamite-327191|url-status=live}}</ref> On the March 3, 2021 episode of ''AEW Dynamite'' titled [[List of AEW Dynamite special episodes|The Crossroads]], O'Neal teamed with [[Jade Cargill]] to defeat [[Cody Rhodes]] and [[Red Velvet (wrestler)|Red Velvet]]. During the match, O'Neal paid tribute to [[Brodie Lee]] with his signature gesture and powerbomb and was driven through two tables by Cody, who hit O'Neal with a flying crossbody tackle as O'Neal was standing on the ring apron, knocking O'Neal through the tables that were set up at ringside.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.yahoo.com/now/watch-shaq-goes-through-tables-wins-in-mixed-tag-team-match-on-aew-014337212.html|title=Watch: Shaq goes through tables, wins in mixed tag-team match on AEW|work=[[Yahoo]]|first=Anthony|last=Sulla-Heffinger|date=March 3, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304174212/https://www.yahoo.com/now/watch-shaq-goes-through-tables-wins-in-mixed-tag-team-match-on-aew-014337212.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/shaquille-oneal-on-aew-shaq-goes-through-a-table-and-picks-up-a-win-in-his-all-elite-wrestling-debut/|title=Shaquille O'Neal on AEW: Shaq goes through a table and picks up a win in his All Elite Wrestling debut|work=[[CBS Sports]]|first=Shanna|last=McCarriston|date=March 3, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=March 4, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210304022526/https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/shaquille-oneal-on-aew-shaq-goes-through-a-table-and-picks-up-a-win-in-his-all-elite-wrestling-debut/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Business ventures===
{{as of|2022}}, O'Neal was 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 also bought stocks, including [[General Electric]], [[Apple Inc.|Apple]], and [[PepsiCo]]. He said stock investing worked best for him when he felt a personal connection with the company.<ref name="TELIS DEMOS">{{Cite web |last=Demos |first=Telis |date=June 12, 2015 |title=Shaq Attacks IPO Access, Invests in Loyal3 |url=https://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2015/06/12/shaq-attacks-ipo-access-invests-in-loyal3/?link=mktw |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150615130448/http://blogs.wsj.com/moneybeat/2015/06/12/shaq-attacks-ipo-access-invests-in-loyal3/?link=mktw |archive-date=June 15, 2015 |access-date=June 13, 2015 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</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" />

He has appeared in television commercials promoting the ''[[Counter-Strike: Global Offensive]]'' league ''[[ELeague]]''.<ref>{{cite web |date=May 18, 2016 |title=ELEAGUE have brought back Shaq's memorable acting skills |url=http://www.lazygamer.net/esports/eleague-brought-back-shaqs-memorable-acting-skills/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160519110503/http://www.lazygamer.net/esports/eleague-brought-back-shaqs-memorable-acting-skills/ |archive-date=May 19, 2016 |access-date=May 18, 2016}}</ref> O'Neal refused to endorse [[Wheaties]] cereal because he preferred [[Frosted Flakes]].{{r|hernandez20220623}} 

O'Neal has been a [[real estate entrepreneur]]. 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 |url=http://www.emporis.com/building/one-river-view-at-rector-newark-nj-usa |url-status=usurped |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 |access-date=December 8, 2013 |publisher=Emporis}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Haddon |first=Heather |date=September 26, 2013 |title=Star Comes Home to Build in Newark Shaquille O'Neal in Real Estate Development Partnership |url=https://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304526204579099520256095060 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140219004629/http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304526204579099520256095060 |archive-date=February 19, 2014 |access-date=March 14, 2017 |website=The Wall Street Journal}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Munson |first=John |date=September 27, 2013 |title=Shaq comes back to Newark to break ground for city's first high-rise apartment in more than 50 years |url=http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/shaquille_oneal_booker_newark.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140107022745/http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2013/09/shaquille_oneal_booker_newark.html |archive-date=January 7, 2014 |access-date=March 22, 2014 |website=The Star-Ledger}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |date=September 30, 2013 |title=Booker, Shaquille O'Neal and other dignitaries break ground on new high-rise apartments |url=http://essexnewsdaily.com/news/newark/booker-shaquille-oneal-and-other-dignitaries-break-ground-on-new-high-rise-apartments |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 |access-date=December 8, 2013 |publisher=Essex News Daily}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=New Jersey Economic Development Authority: Urban Transit Hub Tax Credit Program: Approved Projects |url=http://www.njeda.com/web/pdf/HUB_Activity.pdf |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131230233614/http://www.njeda.com/web/pdf/HUB_Activity.pdf |archive-date=December 30, 2013 |access-date=February 23, 2016 |website=njeda.com}}</ref> He sought to help [[Orlando, Florida|Orlando]] homeowners facing [[foreclosure]] by buying the [[mortgage loan|mortgages]] and selling the homes back to them under more affordable terms.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Schlueb |first=Mark |date=June 11, 2008 |title=Shaq: I can help homeowners fight off foreclosure |url=http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-shaq1108jun11,0,519616.story |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080613224548/http://www.orlandosentinel.com/business/orl-shaq1108jun11,0,519616.story |archive-date=June 13, 2008 |access-date=June 11, 2008 |website=Orlando Sentinel}}</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>

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 is an investor in [[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> 

O'Neal favors [[franchising]] businesses because of their simplicity and proven success.{{r|hernandez20220623}} In late 2016, he purchased the [[Krispy Kreme]] location at 295 [[Ponce de Leon Avenue]] in [[Atlanta]]. O'Neal is also the global spokesperson for the company.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.ajc.com/business/shaquille-neal-buys-krispy-kreme-store/ZanQNvMuFN3b91GFls2Q8K/|title= Shaquille O'Neal buys Krispy Kreme store|last=Chambers|first=Brianna|newspaper= The Atlanta Journal-Constitution|access-date=December 6, 2016|archive-date=December 20, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220100646/http://www.ajc.com/business/shaquille-neal-buys-krispy-kreme-store/ZanQNvMuFN3b91GFls2Q8K/|url-status=live}}</ref> He owned, and later sold, 155 [[Five Guys]] fast food restaurants—about 10% of all locations—and owns 17 [[Auntie Anne's]] restaurants. O'Neal also owns 150 [[car wash]]es, 40 [[health club]]s, a movie theater in Newark, and the [[Big Chicken (restaurant chain)|Big Chicken]] brand of [[chicken sandwich]]es.{{r|hernandez20220623}}

In 2018, O'Neal created [[Shaq's Fun House]], an annual music festival, circus, and carnival, with [[Medium Rare (production company)|Medium Rare]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Greenburg|first1=Zack |title= Shaq's Fun House: A Super-Size Super Bowl Party With Long-Term Ambitions |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2018/12/11/shaqs-fun-house-a-super-sized-super-bowl-party-with-longterm-ambitions/|work=Forbes|access-date=May 21, 2019 |archive-date=May 17, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190517031333/https://www.forbes.com/sites/zackomalleygreenburg/2018/12/11/shaqs-fun-house-a-super-sized-super-bowl-party-with-longterm-ambitions/ |url-status=live}}</ref> The event usually features celebrity DJs and performers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-02-12|title=Meet the L.A. company behind Shaq's Fun House Super Bowl party |url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-02-11/medium-rare-shaq-super-bowl |access-date=2022-02-15 |website=Los Angeles Times |language=en-US |archive-date=February 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220215012439/https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/business/story/2022-02-11/medium-rare-shaq-super-bowl|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Gardner |first=Chris |date=2022-01-05|title=Shaquille O'Neal on Crypto Craze and Bringing Shaq's Fun House to L.A. on Super Bowl Weekend|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/shaq-fun-house-los-angeles-super-bowl-weekend-parties-1235069961/|access-date=2022-02-15|website=The Hollywood Reporter |language=en-US |archive-date=February 7, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220207110133/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/lifestyle/lifestyle-news/shaq-fun-house-los-angeles-super-bowl-weekend-parties-1235069961/ |url-status=live}}</ref> In 2022, O'Neal premiered Shaqtoberfest, a Halloween event in Long Beach, California.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 19, 2022 |title=Shaqtoberfest brings Halloween to Long Beach alongside the Queen Mary |url=https://abc7.com/shaq-shaquille-oneal-long-beach-shaqtoberfest/12348025/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907205608/https://abc7.com/shaq-shaquille-oneal-long-beach-shaqtoberfest/12348025/ |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=abc7.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=Oct 15, 2022 |title=Lakers News: Shaqtoberfest Invades Long Beach |url=https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/is-la-ready-for-shaqtoberfest-ak1987 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230907205817/https://www.si.com/nba/lakers/news/is-la-ready-for-shaqtoberfest-ak1987 |archive-date=September 7, 2023 |access-date=September 7, 2023 |website=si.com}}</ref>

In early 2019, O'Neal joined the [[Papa John's]] board of directors and invested in nine stores in the Atlanta area. As part of the three-year contract, he became the spokesperson for the company .<ref>{{cite news |last1=Meyersohn |first1=Nathaniel |title=Shaq is joining Papa John's board of directors |url=https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/22/business/shaq-papa-johns-trnd/index.html |website=CNN Business |date=March 22, 2019 |access-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-date=March 22, 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190322140325/https://www.cnn.com/2019/03/22/business/shaq-papa-johns-trnd/index.html |url-status=live}}</ref> The next year, Papa John's introduced the Shaq-a-Roni, a pizza dedicated to O'Neal.<ref>{{cite press release |url=https://ir.papajohns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/papa-johns-and-shaquille-oneal-launch-new-shaq-roni-pizza |title=Papa John's and Shaquille O'Neal Launch New Shap-a-roni Pizza |publisher=Papa John's |date=June 29, 2020 |access-date=December 7, 2023 |archive-date=November 23, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231123044546/https://ir.papajohns.com/news-releases/news-release-details/papa-johns-and-shaquille-oneal-launch-new-shaq-roni-pizza |url-status=live}}</ref>

In 2021, O'Neal, among other high-profile athletes and celebrities, was a paid spokesperson for [[FTX (company)|FTX]], a [[cryptocurrency exchange]]. In November 2022, [[Bankruptcy of FTX|FTX filed for bankruptcy]], wiping out billions of dollars in customer funds as well as O'Neal's personal stake in the company. He, alongside other spokespeople, has been sued for promoting unregistered securities.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Florio |first=Mike |date=2022-11-16 |title=Tom Brady is sued in connection with FTX collapse |url=https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/11/16/tom-brady-is-sued-in-connection-with-ftx-collapse/ |access-date=2022-11-16 |website=ProFootballTalk |language=en-US |archive-date=December 6, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221206163307/https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/11/16/tom-brady-is-sued-in-connection-with-ftx-collapse/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Zeitchik|first1=Steven|last2=Mark|first2=Julian|date=December 14, 2022|title=Tom Brady pushed crypto to his fans. This lawyer wants him to pay up.|newspaper=The Washington Post|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/14/ftx-class-action-lawsuit/|access-date=December 14, 2022|archive-date=December 14, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221214183551/https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2022/12/14/ftx-class-action-lawsuit/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|last1=Scipioni|first1=Jade|last2=Albert-Deitch|first2=Cameron|date=December 15, 2022|title=Shaq distances himself from crypto and FTX collapse: 'I was just a paid spokesperson'|publisher=CNBC|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/15/shaq-on-crypto-ftx-post-collapse-i-was-just-a-paid-spokesperson.html|access-date=December 15, 2022|archive-date=December 15, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221215165321/https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/15/shaq-on-crypto-ftx-post-collapse-i-was-just-a-paid-spokesperson.html|url-status=live}}</ref> In February 2022, the [[United States Court of Appeals for the Eleventh Circuit|U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals]] ruled in a lawsuit against [[Bitconnect]] that the [[Securities Act of 1933]] extends to [[Targeted advertising|targeted solicitation]] using social media.<ref>{{cite news|last=Lawler|first=Richard|date=February 18, 2022|title=Influencers beware: promoting the wrong crypto could mean facing a class-action lawsuit|website=The Verge|publisher=Vox Media|url=https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/18/22941470/bitconnect-ponzi-bitcoin-securities-act-sec-lawsuit-influencers-youtube-tiktok|access-date=July 13, 2022|archive-date=July 18, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220718010038/https://www.theverge.com/2022/2/18/22941470/bitconnect-ponzi-bitcoin-securities-act-sec-lawsuit-influencers-youtube-tiktok|url-status=live}}</ref>

In October 2023, O'Neal was named [[Reebok]]'s president of Basketball.<ref>{{cite web |title=Reebok names Shaquille O'Neal president of basketball, Allen Iverson as VP |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/reebok-names-shaquille-oneal-president-of-basketball-allen-iverson-as-vp-153453912.html |website=sports.yahoo.com |access-date=January 7, 2024 |date=12 October 2023 |archive-date=January 7, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240107151526/https://sports.yahoo.com/reebok-names-shaquille-oneal-president-of-basketball-allen-iverson-as-vp-153453912.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

In September 2024, O'Neal launched the Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies line of oversized [[gummy candy]] with [[The Hershey Company]].<ref>{{cite web |last1=Gutterman |first1=Ron |title=Lakers News: Shaquille O'Neal Unveils Shaqalicious XL Gummy Candy Line |url=https://lakersnation.com/lakers-news-shaquille-oneal-debuting-shaqalicious-xl-gummy-candy-line/ |website=Lakers Nation |access-date=2 March 2025 |date=9 September 2024}}</ref>

==Personal life==
[[File:Shaq @NBA All star game.jpg|thumb|O'Neal at the [[2009 NBA All-Star Game]] in [[Phoenix, Arizona]]]]

=== Religion ===
O'Neal was raised by a [[Baptist]] mother and a [[Muslim]] stepfather and said that they taught him both religions.<ref name="BH2018">{{Cite web |last=Murphy |first=Mark |date=November 18, 2018 |title=Turkish rookie Semih Erden thankful for Shaq |url=https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/11/19/turkish-rookie-semih-erden-thankful-for-shaq/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230805173358/https://www.bostonherald.com/2010/11/19/turkish-rookie-semih-erden-thankful-for-shaq/ |archive-date=August 5, 2023 |access-date=August 5, 2023 |website=Boston Herald}}</ref><ref name="SI2022">{{cite magazine |title=The Shaq Factor |url=https://vault.si.com/vault/2002/06/17/the-shaq-factor-how-have-shaquille-oneal-and-his-size-22s-led-the-lakers-march-to-a-third-straight-title-let-us-count-the-ways |magazine=Sports Illustrated |access-date=August 5, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220930161309/https://vault.si.com/vault/2002/06/17/the-shaq-factor-how-have-shaquille-oneal-and-his-size-22s-led-the-lakers-march-to-a-third-straight-title-let-us-count-the-ways |archive-date=September 30, 2022 |date=June 17, 2002 |url-status=live}}</ref> Both [[Robin Wright (author)|Robin Wright]] in her book ''Rock the Casbah'' as well as the ''[[Los Angeles Times]]'' have identified O'Neal as a Muslim.<ref>{{cite news |last=Wright |first=Robin |title=Rock the Casbah |date=August 1, 2011 |newspaper=The New York Times |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/02/books/excerpt-rock-the-casbah-by-robin-wright.html?pagew..=&_r=1&pagewanted=all |archive-url=https://archive.today/20130411142521/http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/02/books/excerpt-rock-the-casbah-by-robin-wright.html?pagew..=&_r=2&pagewanted=all& |archive-date=April 11, 2013 |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Brown |first=Tim |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-jan-11-sp-shaq11-story.html |title=O'Neal Issues Apology |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |date=January 11, 2003 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121107022722/http://articles.latimes.com/2003/jan/11/sports/sp-shaq11 |archive-date=November 7, 2012 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Brown |first1=Tim |last2=Plaschke |first2=Bill |title=Shaq and Hedo Share a Moment |date=May 29, 2002 |newspaper=Los Angeles Times |url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2002-may-29-sp-lakerep29-story.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130302032859/http://articles.latimes.com/2002/may/29/sports/sp-lakerep29 |archive-date=March 2, 2013 |url-status=live}}</ref> However, O'Neal has said, "I'm Muslim, I'm Jewish, I'm Buddhist, I'm everybody 'cause I'm a people person."<ref>{{cite web|author=Alison Kugel|url=http://www.pr.com/article/1191|title=Shaquille O'Neal Talks Kobe Bryant, Pat Riley & NBA Politics: 'I Did It My Way'|publisher=PR.com|date=November 11, 2011|access-date=February 22, 2013}}</ref>

===Marriage and children===
O'Neal married [[Shaunie O'Neal|Shaunie Nelson]] on December 26, 2002. The couple have four children, including [[Shareef O'Neal|Shareef]].<ref>{{cite web|author=Tim Brown|url=https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2003-apr-20-sp-lakerep20-story.html|title=Shaq, Wife Have a Baby Boy|work=[[Los Angeles Times]]|date=April 20, 2003|access-date=October 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2006/news/story?id=2429195|title=Daughter is sixth child for Shaq, wife|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=May 1, 2006|access-date=October 24, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Sports_News/2006/05/01/Shaq-and-wife-welcome-new-daughter/93091146521100/|title=Shaq and wife welcome new daughter|publisher=United Press International|date=May 1, 2006|access-date=October 24, 2021}}</ref> Nelson also has a son from a previous relationship who O'Neal adopted. O'Neal also has a daughter from a previous relationship.<ref>{{cite web |author=Sam Smith |date=December 16, 1996 |title=HO, HO, SHAQ'S ON WAY |url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/news/ct-xpm-1996-12-16-9612160155-story.html |access-date=October 23, 2021 |publisher=Chicago Tribune}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |date=September 30, 2005 |title=TRIVIA Q&A |url=https://www.tampabay.com/archive/1997/03/01/trivia-q-a/ |access-date=October 23, 2021 |publisher=[[Tampa Bay Times]]}}</ref><ref>[[#oneal2011|O'Neal, MacMullan 2011]], p. 209.</ref>

On September 4, 2007, O'Neal filed for divorce from Nelson in a Miami-Dade Circuit court. Nelson later said that the couple was back together and that the divorce petition had been withdrawn. However, on November 10, 2009, Nelson filed an intent to divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Maria |date=2022-12-23 |title=Who is Shaquille O'neal's Ex-Wife & Dating in 2022? |url=https://sportsvirsa.com/shaq-oneal-wife/ |access-date=2022-12-28 |language=en-US}}</ref> The divorce was finalized in 2011. O'Neal blames himself for the failed marriage and says he made mistakes and was "greedy".<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-04-20 |title=Why Shaquille O'Neal Blames Himself for Divorce From Ex-Wife Shaunie |url=https://www.eonline.com/news/1327985/why-shaquille-oneal-blames-himself-for-divorce-from-ex-wife-shaunie |access-date=2022-12-28 |website=E! Online}}</ref>

In 2015, Shareef was seen in high school basketball highlights as a {{convert|6|ft|7|in|adj=on}} freshman power forward, and had been described as having a "polar opposite playing style to his father" due to his more athletic build and better shooting range.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2462728-shaquille-oneals-son-shareef-oneal-does-not-play-like-his-dad|title=Shaquille O'Neal's Son Shareef O'Neal Does Not Play Like His Dad|first=Tyler|last=Brooke|website=[[Bleacher Report]]}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Watch: Shaq's son dominates as a high school freshman|url=https://www.si.com/extra-mustard/2015/05/13/shaquille-oneal-son-shareef-high-school|magazine=[[Sports Illustrated]]|access-date=May 13, 2015}}</ref> Shareef played in college for the [[UCLA Bruins men's basketball|UCLA Bruins]] before transferring to LSU.<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Lundberg |first1=Robin |title=Shareef O'Neal Transferring to LSU, Talks Final Text From Kobe |url=https://www.si.com/college/2020/02/15/shareef-oneal-transfer-lsu-talks-kobe-text |access-date=February 15, 2020 |magazine=Sports Illustrated |date=January 22, 2021}}</ref>

In November 2023, O'Neal's daughter, Me'Arah, signed her national letter of intent to the [[Florida Gators women's basketball|Florida Gators]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Gibson|first=Charlotte|url=https://www.espn.com/womens-college-basketball/story/_/id/38881118/mearah-oneal-shaq-youngest-child-play-gators|title=Me'Arah O'Neal, Shaq's youngest child, to play for Gators|publisher=[[ESPN]]|date=November 12, 2023|accessdate=January 12, 2025}}</ref> The 2024–25 season marked her freshman year at Florida.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://floridagators.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster/me-arah-o-neal/16879|title=Me'Arah O'Neal|publisher=[[Florida Gators]]|accessdate=January 12, 2025}}</ref>

===Post-marriage relationships===

In summer 2010, O'Neal began dating reality TV star [[Nicole Alexander|Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander]].<ref name=Globe>{{cite news |url=http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2011/02/03/hoopz_is_right_at_home_with_shaq/?page=full |title=Hoopz is right at home with Shaq |author=Goldstein, Meredith |date=February 3, 2011 |work=[[The Boston Globe]]|access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Shaquille-O-8217-Neal-8217-s-girlfriend-school?urn=nba-wp3654 |title=Shaquille O'Neal's girlfriend schools him on sleep apnea |author=Dwyer, Kelly |date=May 21, 2011 |work=[[Yahoo! Sports]]|access-date=August 9, 2011}}</ref> The couple resided at O'Neal's home in [[Sudbury, Massachusetts]],<ref>{{Cite news |last=Goldstein |first=Meredith |date=2011-02-03 |title=Keeping up with Shaq |url=http://archive.boston.com/lifestyle/articles/2011/02/03/hoopz_is_right_at_home_with_shaq/?page=full |access-date=2021-07-15 |website=Boston.com}}</ref> and later split in August 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.vibe.com/2012/08/shaq-and-hoopz-breakup |title=Shaquille O'Neal and Nicole "Hoopz" Break Up Following Outburst|work=Vibe|first=Sharifa|last=Daniels|date=August 28, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Shanahan|first1=Mark|last2=Goldstein|first2=Meredith|url=https://www.bostonglobe.com/lifestyle/names/2012/08/24/former-sudbury-couple-hoopz-and-shaq-call-quits/iITCZf8aGwsS0YiftRl97I/story.html|title=Former Sudbury couple 'Hoopz' and Shaq call it quits|publisher=The Boston Globe|date=August 25, 2012|access-date=October 23, 2021}}</ref>

O'Neal began dating Laticia Rolle, a model, originally from [[Gardner, Massachusetts]], in early 2014.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.telegram.com/sports/20170715/shaq-keeps-her-on-go-but-still-no-place-like-home-for-laticia-rolle|title=Shaq keeps her on go, but still no place like home for Laticia Rolle|first=Jennifer|last=Toland|date=July 15, 2017}}</ref> They later split in March 2018.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://theybf.com/2018/07/01/exclusive-have-shaq-girlfriend-laticia-rolle-called-it-quits|title=EXCLUSIVE: Have Shaq & Girlfriend Laticia Rolle Called It QUITS?!|publisher=TheYBF|date=July 1, 2018|access-date=October 24, 2021|archive-date=October 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211024083716/https://theybf.com/2018/07/01/exclusive-have-shaq-girlfriend-laticia-rolle-called-it-quits|url-status=dead}}</ref>

===Outside of family===
[[File:Shaquille O'Neal in 2011.jpg|thumb|O'Neal in May 2011]]
O'Neal was initiated into the Theta Kappa chapter of [[Omega Psi Phi|Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.]] at LSU.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Hunt |first=Donald |date=2014-07-12 |title=Shaq talks Omega Psi Phi membership |url=https://www.phillytrib.com/sports/baseball/shaq-talks-omega-psi-phi-membership/article_7a4f4ba0-acac-52cd-836e-068a6783aea1.html |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=The Philadelphia Tribune |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Omega Psi Phi Scorecard |url=https://www.lsu.edu/greeks/scorecard/omega-psi-phi.php#:~:text=The%20Theta%20Kappa%20chapter%20of,150%20sons%20of%20Theta%20Kappa. |access-date=2025-05-09 |website=www.lsu.edu}}</ref> In June 2005, when Hall of Fame center [[George Mikan]] died, O'Neal, who considered Mikan to be a major influence, extended an offer to his family to pay all of the funeral expenses, which they accepted.<ref>{{cite news |date=2005-06-03 |title=Shaq covers Mikan's funeral expenses |url=https://www.espn.com/nba/playoffs2005/news/story?id=2075294 |access-date=2021-07-12 |website=ESPN |language=en |agency=Associated Press}}</ref> 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 2009 inductee of the [[New Jersey Hall of Fame]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.newspapers.com/clip/102897307/stars-headline-in-the-second-class-of/ |title=Stars headline in the second class of N.J. Hall of Fame |first=Angela |last=Delli Santi |work=[[Daily Record (Morris County, New Jersey)|Daily Record]] |agency=[[Associated Press]] |page=A6 |date=February 3, 2009 |access-date=May 31, 2022 |via=[[Newspapers.com]]}}</ref> O'Neal became a [[Freemason]] in 2011, becoming a member of Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston.<ref>{{cite web|author=Chris Hodapp |url=http://freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com/2011/06/brother-shaquille-oneal.html |title=Freemasons For Dummies: Brother Shaquille O'Neal |publisher=Freemasonsfordummies.blogspot.com |date=June 12, 2011 |access-date=August 10, 2012}}</ref> O'Neal is a [[Prince Hall Freemasonry|Prince Hall]] [[Freemason]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYL11q4hb3Y | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140401074412/http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYL11q4hb3Y&list=PL9AC00B23FAA93EB0| archive-date=2014-04-01 |title=Shaquille O'Neal: Freemason |publisher=YouTube |date=February 27, 2011 |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://beginningandend.com/shaquille-oneal-show-masonic-ring-nbatv/ |title=Shaquille O'Neal Show off His Freemason Ring on NBATV |publisher=Beginning And End |date=January 14, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.atoast2wealth.com/2012/01/13/shaquille-oneal-proudly-shows-off-illuminati-ring-and-being-a-freemason-video/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120120011748/http://www.atoast2wealth.com/2012/01/13/shaquille-oneal-proudly-shows-off-illuminati-ring-and-being-a-freemason-video/ |archive-date=January 20, 2012 |title=Shaquille O'Neal Proudly Shows Off Illuminati Ring and Being a Freemason [VIDEO] {{pipe}} AT2W |website=Atoast2wealth.com |date=January 14, 2012 |access-date=February 23, 2016 }}</ref> On January 31, 2012, O'Neal was honored as one of the [[McDonald's All-American Game#Greatest Boys McDonald's All-Americans|35 Greatest McDonald's All-American]]s.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/hawks/news/wilkins-honored-one-35-greatest-mcdonalds-all-americans |title=Wilkins Honored as One of 35 Greatest McDonald's All Americans |publisher=NBA|date=January 31, 2012 |access-date=February 9, 2012}}</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=https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/37447069/nba-legend-shaquille-oneal-celebrates-northampton-promotion | access-date=2024-10-16}}</ref> 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>{{Cite web |last=Chakraborty |first=Sagarneel  |date=January 24, 2023 |title=Is Shaq (Shaquille O'Neal a Dallas Cowboys fan? |url=https://www.mediareferee.com/nba-is-shaq-shaquille-oneal-a-dallas-cowboys-fan/ |access-date=2023-01-24 |website=Media Referee}}</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>

O'Neal endorsed [[Republican Party of the United States|Republican]] [[New Jersey]] governor [[Chris Christie]] in his 2013 [[2013 New Jersey gubernatorial election|reelection bid]], appearing in a television advertisement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.politico.com/story/2014/01/shaq-backs-chris-christie-i-believe-him-102004 |title=Shaq backs Christie: 'I believe him' |website=[[Politico]] |first=Lucy|last=McCalmont|date=January 10, 2014 |access-date=February 23, 2016}}</ref> He participated in a virtual rally for then-presidential candidate [[Joe Biden]] and voted for the first time during the [[2020 presidential election]].<ref>{{cite web |last=Medina |first=Mark |date=October 27, 2020 |title=Shaquille O'Neal explains why he had resisted voting before this year's election |url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2020/10/27/shaquille-oneal-why-he-didnt-vote-before-2020-election/6037008002/ |access-date=28 July 2021 |website=USA Today}}</ref>

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 web |title=Shaquille O'Neal Buys Insane $27,000,000 Private Jet With 'Dunkman Logo' Taking Inspiration From Michael Jordan's $61M Purchase |last=Singh |first=Raahib |work=The SportsRush |date=28 June 2023 |access-date=19 March 2025 |url= https://thesportsrush.com/nba-news-shaquille-oneal-buys-insane-27000000-private-jet-with-dunkman-logo-taking-inspiration-from-michael-jordans-61m-purchase/}}</ref>

O'Neal mentored [[Chicago Sky]] player and former [[LSU Tigers women's basketball]] player [[Angel Reese]]; Reese has identified 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>

==Career statistics==
{{NBA player statistics legend|champion=y|leader=y}}

===NBA===

====Regular season====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nowrap|{{nbay|1992}}}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1992–93 Orlando Magic season|Orlando]]
| '''81''' || '''81''' || 37.9 || .562 || .000 || .592 || '''13.9''' || 1.9 || .7 || '''3.5''' || 23.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1993}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1993–94 Orlando Magic season|Orlando]]
| '''81''' || '''81''' || 39.8 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .599* || .000 || .554 || 13.2 || 2.4 || '''.9''' || 2.9 || 29.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1994}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1994–95 Orlando Magic season|Orlando]]
| 79 || 79 || 37.0 || .583 || .000 || .533 || 11.4 || 2.7 || '''.9''' || 2.4 || style="background:#cfecec;"| 29.3*
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1995}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1995–96 Orlando Magic season|Orlando]]
| 54 || 52 || 36.0 || .573 || '''.500''' || .487 || 11.0 || 2.9 || .6 || 2.1 || 26.6
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1996}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 51 || 51 || 38.1 || .557 || .000 || .484 || 12.5 || 3.1 || '''.9''' || 2.9 || 26.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1997}}
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nowrap|[[1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]}}
| 60 || 57 || 36.3 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .584* || .000 || .527 || 11.4 || 2.4 || .7 || 2.4 || 28.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|1998}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 49 || 49 || 34.8 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .576* || .000 || .540 || 10.7 || 2.3 || .7 || 1.7 || 26.3
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|1999|trunc=y}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1999–2000 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 79 || 79 || '''40.0''' || style="background:#cfecec;"| .574* || .000 || .524 || 13.6 || '''3.8''' || .5 || 3.0 || style="background:#cfecec;"| '''29.7'''*
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|2000}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 74 || 74 || 39.5 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .572* || .000 || .513 || 12.7 || 3.7 || .6 || 2.8 || 28.7
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|2001}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 67 || 66 || 36.1 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .579* || .000 || .555 || 10.7 || 3.0 || .6 || 2.0 || 27.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2002}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2002–03 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 67 || 66 || 37.8 || .574 || .000 || '''.622''' || 11.1 || 3.1 || .6 || 2.4 || 27.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2003}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2003–04 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 67 || 67 || 36.8 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .584* || .000 || .490 || 11.5 || 2.9 || .5 || 2.5 || 21.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2004}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2004–05 Miami Heat season|Miami]]
| 73 || 73 || 34.1 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .601* || .000 || .461 || 10.4 || 2.7 || .5 || 2.3 || 22.9
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| {{nbay|2005}}†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2005–06 Miami Heat season|Miami]]
| 59 || 58 || 30.6 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .600* || .000 || .469 || 9.2 || 1.9 || .4 || 1.8 || 20.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2006}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2006–07 Miami Heat season|Miami]]
| 40 || 39 || 28.4 || .591 || .000 || .422 || 7.4 || 2.0 || .2 || 1.4 || 17.3
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2007}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2007–08 Miami Heat season|Miami]]
| 33 || 33 || 28.6 || .581 || .000 || .494 || 7.8 || 1.4 || .6 || 1.6 || 14.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2007}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2007–08 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 28 || 28 || 28.7 || .611 || .000 || .513 || 10.6 || 1.7 || .5 || 1.2 || 12.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2008}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2008–09 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 75 || 75 || 30.0 || style="background:#cfecec;"| .609* || .000 || .595 || 8.4 || 1.7 || .6 || 1.4 || 17.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2009}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2009–10 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland]]
| 53 || 53 || 23.4 || .566 || .000 || .496 || 6.7 || 1.5 || .3 || 1.2 || 12.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| {{nbay|2010}}
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2010–11 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 37 || 36 || 20.3 || '''.667''' || .000 || .557 || 4.8 || .7 || .4 || 1.1 || 9.2
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| Career
| 1,207 || 1,197 || 34.7 || .582 || .045 || .527 || 10.9 || 2.5 || .6 || 2.3 || 23.7
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| All-Star
| 12 || 9 || 22.8 || .551 || .000 || .452 || 8.1 || 1.4 || 1.1 || 1.6 || 16.8
{{S-end}}

====Playoffs====
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1994 NBA playoffs|1994]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1993–94 Orlando Magic season|Orlando]]
| 3 || 3 || 42.0 || .511 || .000 || .471 || 13.3 || 2.3 || .7 || '''3.0''' || 20.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1995 NBA playoffs|1995]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1994–95 Orlando Magic season|Orlando]]
| 21 || 21 || 38.3 || .577 || .000 || .571 || 11.9 || 3.3 || .9 || 1.9 || 25.7
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1996 NBA playoffs|1996]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1995–96 Orlando Magic season|Orlando]]
| 12 || 12 || 38.3 || .606 || .000 || .393 || 10.0 || '''4.6''' || .8 || 1.3 || 25.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1997 NBA playoffs|1997]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1996–97 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 9 || 9 || 36.2 || .514 || .000 || .610 || 10.6 || 3.2 || .6 || 1.9 || 26.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1998 NBA playoffs|1998]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1997–98 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 13 || 13 || 38.5 || '''.612''' || .000 || .503 || 10.2 || 2.9 || .5 || 2.6 || 30.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1999 NBA playoffs|1999]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1998–99 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 8 || 8 || 39.4 || .510 || .000 || .466 || 11.6 || 2.3 || .9 || 2.9 || 26.6
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| [[2000 NBA playoffs|2000]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1999–2000 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| '''23''' || '''23''' || '''43.5''' || .566 || .000 || .456 || '''15.4''' || 3.1 || .6 || 2.4 || '''30.7'''
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| [[2001 NBA playoffs|2001]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2000–01 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 16 || 16 || 42.3 || .555 || .000 || .525 || '''15.4''' || 3.2 || .4 || 2.4 || 30.4
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| [[2002 NBA playoffs|2002]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2001–02 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 19 || 19 || 40.8 || .529 || .000 || .649 || 12.6 || 2.8 || .5 || 2.5 || 28.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2003 NBA playoffs|2003]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2002–03 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 12 || 12 || 40.1 || .535 || .000 || .621 || 14.8 || 3.7 || .6 || 2.8 || 27.0
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2004 NBA playoffs|2004]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2003–04 Los Angeles Lakers season|L.A. Lakers]]
| 22 || 22 || 41.7 || .593 || .000 || .429 || 13.2 || 2.5 || .3 || 2.8 || 21.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2005 NBA playoffs|2005]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2004–05 Miami Heat season|Miami]]
| 13 || 13 || 33.2 || .558 || .000 || .472 || 7.8 || 1.9 || .4 || 1.5 || 19.4
|-
|style="text-align:left;background:#afe6ba;"| [[2006 NBA playoffs|2006]]†
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2005–06 Miami Heat season|Miami]]
| '''23''' || '''23''' || 33.0 || '''.612''' || .000 || .374 || 9.8 || 1.7 || .5 || 1.5 || 18.4
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2007 NBA playoffs|2007]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2006–07 Miami Heat season|Miami]]
| 4 || 4 || 30.3 || .559 || .000 || .333 || 8.5 || 1.3 || .3 || 1.5 || 18.8
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2008 NBA playoffs|2008]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2007–08 Phoenix Suns season|Phoenix]]
| 5 || 5 || 30.0 || .440 || .000 || .500 || 9.2 || 1.0 || '''1.0''' || 2.6 || 15.2
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2010 NBA playoffs|2010]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2009–10 Cleveland Cavaliers season|Cleveland]]
| 11 || 11 || 22.1 || .516 || .000 || '''.660''' || 5.5 || 1.4 || .2 || 1.2 || 11.5
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2011 NBA playoffs|2011]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[2010–11 Boston Celtics season|Boston]]
| 2 || 0 || 6.0 || .500 || .000 || .000 || .0 || .5 || .5 || .0 || 1.0
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2| Career
| 216 || 214 || 37.5 || .563 || .000 || .504 || 11.6 || 2.7 || .5 || 2.1 || 24.3
{{s-end}}

===College===
{{NBA player statistics start}}
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1989–90 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1989–90]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1989–90 LSU Tigers basketball team|Louisiana State]]
| '''32''' || {{sort|-|—}} || 28.2 || .573 || .000 || .556 || 12.0 || '''1.9''' || 1.2 || 3.6 || 13.9
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1990–91 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1990–91]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1990–91 LSU Tigers basketball team|Louisiana State]]
| 28 || {{sort|-|—}} || 31.5 || '''.628''' || .000 || '''.638''' || '''14.7''' || 1.6 || '''1.5''' || 5.0 || '''27.6'''
|-
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1991–92 NCAA Division I men's basketball season|1991–92]]
| style="text-align:left;"| [[1991–92 LSU Tigers basketball team|Louisiana State]]
| 30 || {{sort|-|—}} || '''32.0''' || .615 || .000 || .528 || 14.0 || 1.5 || 1.0 || '''5.2''' || 24.1
|- class="sortbottom"
| style="text-align:center;" colspan=2|Career
| 90 || {{sort|-|—}} || 30.5 || .610 || .000 || .575 || 13.5 || 1.7 || 1.2 || 4.6 || 21.6
{{s-end}}

==Awards and honors==
[[File:Shaq at the white house.jpg|thumb|O'Neal and the [[Los Angeles Lakers]] with President [[George W. Bush]] at a [[White House]] January 2002 ceremony commemorating the team's 2001 NBA Championship]]
'''NBA'''
* 4× [[List of NBA champions|NBA champion]] ({{nbafy|2000}}–{{nbafy|2002}}, {{nbafy|2006}})
* 3× [[NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Finals MVP]] ({{nbafy|2000}}–{{nbafy|2002}})
* [[NBA Most Valuable Player Award|NBA Most Valuable Player]] ({{nbay|1999|end}})
* 15× [[List of NBA All-Stars|NBA All-Star]] ({{nasg|1993}}–{{nasg|1998}}, {{nasg|2000}}–{{nasg|2007}}, {{nasg|2009}})
* 3× [[NBA All-Star Game Kobe Bryant Most Valuable Player Award|NBA All-Star Game MVP]] ({{nasg|2000}}, {{nasg|2004}}, {{nasg|2009}})
* 8× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA First Team]] ({{nbay|1997|end}}, {{nbay|1999|end}}–{{nbay|2005|end}})
* 2× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Second Team]] ({{nbay|1994|end}}, {{nbay|1998|end}})
* 4× [[All-NBA Team|All-NBA Third Team]] ({{nbay|1993|end}}, {{nbay|1995|end}}, {{nbay|1996|end}}, {{nbay|2008|end}})
* 3× [[NBA All-Defensive Team|NBA All-Defensive Second Team]] ({{nbay|1999|end}}, {{nbay|2000|end}}, {{nbay|2002|end}})
* [[NBA Rookie of the Year Award|NBA Rookie of the Year]] ({{nbay|1992|end}})
* [[NBA All-Rookie Team|NBA All-Rookie First Team]] ({{nbay|1992|end}})
* 2× [[List of NBA annual scoring leaders|NBA scoring champion]] ({{nbay|1994|end}}, {{nbay|1999|end}})
* 12× [[NBA Player of the Month and Week#Notable Records|NBA Player of the Month]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Players of the Month |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/pom.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 20× [[NBA Player of the Month and Week#Notable Records|NBA Player of the Week]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Players of the Week |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/pow.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 4× [[NBA Rookie of the Month Award#1981–2001|NBA Rookie of the Month]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Rookies of the Month |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/rom.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[NBA anniversary teams|NBA anniversary team]] ([[50 Greatest Players in NBA History|50th]], [[NBA 75th Anniversary Team|75th]])
* {{abbr|No.|Number}} 34 [[Los Angeles Lakers#Retired numbers|retired by Los Angeles Lakers]]
* No. 32 [[Miami Heat#Retired numbers|retired by Miami Heat]]
* No. 32 [[Orlando Magic#Retired numbers|retired by Orlando Magic]]
* [[Statue of Shaquille O'Neal]] outside [[Crypto.com Arena]]<ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yFQmosVrLO0 |title=Lakers Unveil Shaq Statue at Staples Center Ceremony {{!}} March 24, 2017 |date=2017-03-24 |last=NBA |access-date=2025-04-26 |via=YouTube}}</ref>

'''USA Basketball'''
*1996 [[Olympic medal|Olympic Gold Medal]]
*1994 [[FIBA Basketball World Cup]] Gold Medal
*1994 [[FIBA Basketball World Cup Most Valuable Player|FIBA World Cup MVP]]
*1994 [[USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year]]

'''NCAA'''
* [[1990–91 LSU Tigers basketball team|1990–1991 SEC Regular Season Co-Champion]]
* [[Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year|Associated Press Player of the Year]] (1991)
* [[UPI College Basketball Player of the Year|UPI Player of the Year]] (1991)
* [[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× [[Associated Press]] first-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1991 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1991]], [[1992 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1992]])
** 2× [[U.S. Basketball Writers Association|USBWA]] first-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1991 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1991]], [[1992 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1992]])
** 2× [[National Association of Basketball Coaches|NABC]] first-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1991 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1991]], [[1992 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1992]])
** 2× [[United Press International|UPI]] first-team [[NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans|All-American]] ([[1991 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|1991]], [[1992 NCAA Men's Basketball All-Americans#Individual All-America teams|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)
* [[LSU Tigers men's basketball|LSU]] All-Century Team (2009)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-01-31 |title=LSU Men’s Basketball All-Century Team |url=https://lsusports.net/news/2009/01/31/3655953/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=LSU |language=en-US}}</ref>
* No. 33 [[LSU Tigers men's basketball#Retired numbers|retired by LSU Tigers]]
* Statue of Shaquille O'Neal outside the [[LSU Basketball Practice Facility]]<ref>{{Cite web |date=2011-09-08 |title=LSU Presents Shaq with Bronze Statue |url=https://lsusports.net/news/2011/09/08/205268749/ |access-date=2025-04-26 |website=LSU |language=en-US}}</ref>

'''High School'''
* [[McDonald's All-American Game|McDonald's All-American Game Co-MVP]] ([[1989 McDonald's All-American Boys Game|1989]])
* First-team [[Parade All-America Boys Basketball Team|''Parade'' All-American]] (1989)
* [[Texas Mr. Basketball]] (1989)

'''Media'''
* [[ESPN]] American Athlete of the Year (1995)<ref>{{Cite web |date=2016-08-16 |title=The Best American Athlete Championship Belt |url=https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/17303175/best-american-athlete-championship-belt-best-athlete-sports-history-michael-jordan-michael-phelps-babe-ruth-tiger-woods-united-states |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=ESPN.com |language=en}}</ref>
* 2× [[The Sporting News|''Sporting News'']] NBA MVP (2000, 2005)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Sporting News MVP Award Winners |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_mvp.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> 
* ''Sporting News'' Rookie of the Year (1993)<ref>{{Cite web |title=NBA Sporting News Rookie of the Year Award Winners |url=https://www.basketball-reference.com/awards/tsn_roy.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=Basketball-Reference.com |language=en}}</ref> 
* ''Sporting News'' NBA 1990s All-Decade Third Team<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-27 |title=The 1990s NBA All-Decade Team {{!}} Sporting News India |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/in/nba/news/the-1990s-nba-all-decade-team/1bozabmfqo44n1n81niq02d312 |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-in}}</ref>
* ''Sporting News'' NBA 2000s All-Decade First Team<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-05-26 |title=The 2000s All-Decade Team {{!}} Sporting News India |url=https://www.sportingnews.com/in/nba/news/all-decade-team-the-best-guards-forwards-and-centre-of-the-2000s/l3i8xe33nlv71i4fhq810n8l8 |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=www.sportingnews.com |language=en-in}}</ref> 
* [[Associated Press|AP]] NBA 2000s All-Decade First Team<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-03-22 |title=Kobe, Shaq lead AP's 2000s all-decade team |url=https://apnews.com/article/kobe-bryant-miami-heat-los-angeles-lakers-nba-sports-51f7b23bdb0ef2690a0bda66fe0282d9 |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> 
* [[BET]] Sportsman of the Year (2005)
* [[ESPY Awards]]
** 2× [[Best NBA Player ESPY Award|Best NBA Player]] (2001, 2002)<ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2010-06-24 |title=All-Time ESPY Winners |url=https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2010/06/all_tme_espy_winners/amp/ |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=ESPN Press Room U.S. |language=en-US}}</ref>
** 1993 Outstanding Performance by a Sports Personality in an Attempt to Break into Show Business – Shaquille O'Neal raps with [[Fu-Schnickens]] on [[The Arsenio Hall Show]]<ref>{{Cite web |title=The 2001 ESPY Awards - ESPY Awards past winners |url=https://www.espn.com/espy2001/s/pastwinners.html |access-date=2025-04-16 |website=www.espn.com}}</ref>
* [https://haroldpumpfoundation.com/ Harold & Carole Pump Foundation] – Lifetime Achievement Award (2013)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lifetime Achievement Award Honorees |url=https://haroldpumpfoundation.com/index.php/events/lifetime-achievement-award-honorees |access-date=2025-04-22 |website=Harold & Carole Pump Foundation |language=en-gb}}</ref>

'''Sports Emmy Awards'''
* 2012 – Outstanding Promotional Announcement

'''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 |access-date=2024-09-27 |website=ESPN.com|agency=Associated Press |language=en}}</ref>

'''Halls of Fame'''
* [[Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame]] – Class of 2016<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame :: Shaquille O'Neal |url=https://www.hoophall.com/hall-of-famers/shaquille-oneal/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=www.hoophall.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[National Collegiate Basketball Hall of Fame]] – Class of 2014<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shaquille O'Neal, Grant Hill headline college hoops Hall of Fame class {{!}} NCAA.com |url=https://www.ncaa.com/news/basketball-men/article/2014-03-25/shaquille-oneal-grant-hill-headline-college-hoops-hall-fame?amp |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=www.ncaa.com |language=en}}</ref>
* [[FIBA Hall of Fame]] – Class of 2017<ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-08-30 |title=2017 Class of FIBA Hall of Fame: Shaquille O'Neal |url=https://www.fiba.basketball/en/news/2017-class-of-fiba-hall-of-fame-shaquille-oneal |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=www.fiba.basketball |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame]] – Class of 2013<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-11 |title=LA Sports Hall of Fame Inductee Shaquille O’Neal |url=https://lsusports.net/news/2019/07/11/208344663-2/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=LSU |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [[Louisiana State University Athletic Hall of Fame|LSU Athletic Hall of Fame]] – Class of 2000<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-07-25 |title=Shaquille O’Neal |url=https://lsusports.net/sports/mb/roster/player/shaquille-oneal/ |access-date=2025-04-18 |website=LSU |language=en-US}}</ref>
* [https://sanantoniosports.org/?event=hall-of-fame# San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame] – Class of 2016<ref>{{Cite web |title=Members Archive |url=https://sanantoniosports.org/hof-members/ |access-date=2025-05-16 |website=San Antonio Sports |language=en-US}}</ref>

==Discography==
{{Main|Shaquille O'Neal discography}}
[[File:DJ Diesel - June 2023 - Sarah Stierch 01.jpg|thumb|O'Neal performing at the [[2023 Toyota/Save Mart 350]] in [[Sonoma, California]]]]

===Studio albums===
*''[[Shaq Diesel]]'' (1993)
*''[[Shaq Fu: Da Return]]'' (1994)
*''[[You Can't Stop the Reign]]'' (1996)
*''[[Respect (Shaquille O'Neal album)|Respect]]'' (1998)
*''Gorilla Warfare'' (as Diesel) (2023)

===Unreleased albums===
*''[[Shaquille O'Neal Presents His Superfriends, Vol. 1]]'' (2001)

==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 1994
| ''[[Blue Chips]]''
| Neon Boudeaux
|
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Kazaam]]''
| Kazaam
|
|-
| 1997
| ''[[Good Burger]]''
| Himself
|
|-
| 1997
| ''[[Steel (1997 film)|Steel]]''
| [[Steel (John Henry Irons)|John Henry Irons / Steel]]
|
|-
| 1998
| ''[[He Got Game]]''
| Himself
|
|-
| 2001
| ''[[The Wash (2001 film)|The Wash]]''
| Norman
|
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Freddy Got Fingered]]''
| rowspan="5"| Himself
|
|-
| 2004
| ''[[After the Sunset]]''
|
|-
| 2006
| ''[[Scary Movie 4]]''
|
|-
| 2008
| ''[[The House Bunny]]''
|
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Jack and Jill (2011 film)|Jack and Jill]]'' 
|
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Grown Ups 2]]''
| Officer Fluzoo
|
|-
| 2013
| ''[[The Smurfs 2]]''
| Smooth Smurf
| Voice role
|-
| 2014
| ''[[The Lego Movie]]''
| Himself
| Voice role
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Blended (film)|Blended]]''
| Doug
|
|-
| 2018
| ''[[Show Dogs]]''
| Karma
| Voice role
|-
| 2018
| ''[[Uncle Drew]]''
| Big Fella
|
|-
| 2019
| ''[[What Men Want]]''
| Himself
|
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Hubie Halloween]]''
| DJ Aurora
|
|}
===Music videos===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Artist(s)
! class="unsortable"| {{tooltip|Ref.|References}}
|-
| 2021
| "[[Todo de Ti]]"
| [[Rauw Alejandro]]
| <ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/music/latin/first-stream-latin-lunay-rauw-alejandro-9576237/ |title=First Stream Latin: New Music From Lunay, Rauw Alejandro, Adriana Ríos, Leonel García & More |publisher=Billboard |date=2021-05-21 |access-date=2025-03-30}}</ref>
|-
|}

==Television credits==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Role
! Notes
|-
| 1992
| ''[[The Arsenio Hall Show]]''
| rowspan="21"| Himself
|
|-
| 1996
| ''[[Arliss (TV series)|Arliss]]''
| Episode: "A Man of Our Times"
|-
| 2001
| ''[[For Your Love (TV series)|For Your Love]]''
| Episode:" The Model Client"
|-
| 2001
| ''[[My Wife and Kids]]''
| 2 Episodes
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Jackass (franchise)|Jackass]]''
| Episode: "The Bed Wetter"
|-
| 2001
| ''[[Curb Your Enthusiasm]]''
| Episode: "Shaq"
|-
| 2002 
| ''[[Static Shock]]''
| Episode: "Static Shaq"
|-
| 2002–04
| ''[[The Parkers]]''
| 2 Episodes
|-
| 2003
| ''[[The Bernie Mac Show]]''
| Episode: "Eye of the Tiger"
|-
| 2004
| ''[[The Tracy Morgan Show]]''
| Episode: "Career Day"
|-
| 2004
| ''[[Johnny Bravo]]''
| Episode: "Back on Shaq"
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Shaquille (TV series)|Shaquille]]''
|
|-
| 2005
| ''[[Punk'd]]''
|
|-
| 2007
| ''[[American Idol]]''
| Episode: "[[Idol Gives Back]]"
|-
| 2009
| ''[[Shaq Vs.]]''
|
|-
| 2009
| ''[[WWE Raw]]''
| Episode: "Raw 844 – July 27, 2009"<ref>{{cite web |title=Raw Replays |url=http://network.wwe.com/video/v1196781983/ |website=network.wwe.com |access-date=January 18, 2019}}</ref>
|-
| 2010
| ''[[Sonny with a Chance]]''
| Episode: "A So Random! Halloween Special"
|-
| 2011
| ''[[The Cleveland Show]]''
| Episode: "A Short Story and a Tall Tale"
|-
| 2011
| ''[[Fear Factor]]''
| 1 episode
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Real Husbands of Hollywood]]''
| Episode: "Retreat for Couples"
|-
| 2013, 2017
| ''[[Jimmy Kimmel Live!]]''
| 2 Episodes as guest, Guest Host October 30, 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nba.com/article/2017/10/31/shaquille-oneal-makes-debut-late-night-tv-host#/|title=Shaquille O'Neal makes debut as late-night TV host|website=nba.com|date=October 31, 2017|access-date=November 1, 2017}}</ref>
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Southland (TV series)|Southland]]''
| Detective Earl Dayton
| Episode: "The Felix Paradox"
|-
| 2013
| ''[[Upload with Shaquille O'Neal]]''
| rowspan="6" | Himself
|
|-
| 2014
| ''[[Uncle Grandpa]]''
| Episode: "The Perfect Kid"
|-
| 2015
| ''Highston''
| Episode: "Pilot"
|-
| 2015–16
| ''[[Fresh Off the Boat]]''
| 2 Episodes
|-
| 2015
| ''[[Off to School]]''
| Episodes 59–62
|-
| 2016
| ''[[Lip Sync Battle]]''
| Episode: "Shaquille O'Neal vs. [[Aisha Tyler]]"
|-
|2016
|[[Pickle and Peanut]]
|90s Adventure Bear
|2 Episodes
|-
| 2017
| ''[[The Simpsons]]''
| rowspan="5" |Himself
| Episode: "[[Gone Boy]]"
|-
| 2018
| ''[[Drop the Mic]]''
| Episode "Shaquille O'Neal vs. [[Ken Jeong]] / [[Jerry Springer]] vs. [[Ricki Lake]]"
|-
| 2018
| ''Shaq Does Shark Week''
| Television documentary film
|-
| 2020
| ''Rock & Roll Road Trip with [[Sammy Hagar]]''
| Episode: "Viva Def Vegas"
|- 
| 2020
| ''[[Graduate Together: America Honors the High School Class of 2020]]''
| Television special
|-
| 2020
| ''[[Home Movie: The Princess Bride]]''
| Fezzik
| Episode: "Ultimate Suffering"
|-
| 2020–present
| ''Shaq Life''
| rowspan="2"| Himself
| Main role
|-
| 2022
| ''Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers''
| Documentary series 
|-
|2024
|''[[Lucky 13 (TV series)|Lucky 13]]''
|Co-host
|Game show; also executive producer
|-
|}

===Awards and nominations===
{| class=wikitable
|-
! scope="col" style="width:1em;"| Year
! scope="col" style="width:18em;"| Nominated work
! scope="col" style="width:22em;"| Category
! scope="col" style="width:7em;"| Result
|-
! scope="col" colspan="6"| [[CableACE Awards]]
|-
| [[18th CableACE Awards|1996]]
| ''Sports Theater with Shaquille O'Neal''
| [[18th CableACE Awards|Children's Special – 7 and Older]]
| {{Won}}
|-
! scope="col" colspan="6"| [[Golden Raspberry Awards]]
|-
| [[15th Golden Raspberry Awards|1995]]
| ''[[Blue Chips]]''
| [[Golden Raspberry Award for Worst New Star|Worst New Star]]
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[18th Golden Raspberry Awards|1998]]
| ''[[Steel (1997 film)|Steel]]''
| [[Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Actor|Worst Actor]]
| {{Nom}}
|-
| [[35th Golden Raspberry Awards|2015]]
| ''[[Blended (film)|Blended]]''
| [[Golden Raspberry Award for Worst Supporting Actor|Worst Supporting Actor]]
| {{Nom}}
|}

==Video game appearances==
{| class="wikitable plainrowheaders sortable"
|-
!scope="col"|Year
!scope="col"|Title
!scope="col"|Voice role
!scope="col" class="unsortable" | Notes
!scope="col" class="unsortable"|{{abbr|Ref.|Reference}}
|-
| 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" />
|}

==Bibliography==
*''Shaq Attaq!'' (1994)
*''A Good Reason to Look Up'' (1998)
*''Shaq and the Beanstalk and Other Very Tall Tales'' (1999)
*''Shaq Talks Back'' (2002)
*''Shaq Uncut: My Story'' (2011)
*''Little Shaq'' (2015)
*''Little Shaq Takes a Chance'' (2016)
*''Little Shaq: Star of the Week'' (2016)
*''Shaq's Family Style'' (2022)

==See also==
*[[List of NBA career scoring leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career rebounding leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career blocks leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career turnovers leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career personal fouls leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career field goal percentage leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career free throw scoring leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career minutes played leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career playoff scoring leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career playoff rebounding leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career playoff blocks leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career playoff turnovers leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career playoff free throw scoring leaders]]
*[[List of NBA career playoff games played leaders]]
*[[List of NBA annual scoring leaders]]
*[[List of NBA single-game scoring leaders]]
*[[List of NBA single-game blocks leaders]]
*[[List of NBA seasons played leaders]]
*[[List of NBA rookie single-season scoring leaders]]
*[[Highest-paid NBA players by season]]
*[[Shaq–Kobe feud]]
*[[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball career blocks leaders]]
*[[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season blocks leaders]]
*[[List of NCAA Division I men's basketball season rebounding leaders]]
*[[List of NCAA Division I basketball career triple-doubles leaders]]
*[[List of Freemasons]]

==Notes==
{{notelist}}

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{Sister project links|auto=yes}}

* {{Official website}}
* {{IMDb name}}
* {{Professional wrestling profiles}}
* {{Basketballstats}}

{{Shaquille O'Neal|state=expanded}}
{{Navboxes|list1=
{{1991 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans}}
{{1992 NCAA Men's Basketball Consensus All-Americans}}
{{NCAA Division I men's basketball blocks champion}}
{{NCAA Division I men's basketball rebounding champion}}
{{Associated Press College Basketball Player of the Year}}
{{USA Basketball Male Athlete of the Year}}
{{Adolph Rupp Trophy}}
{{UPI College Basketball Player of the Year}}
{{Southeastern Conference Men's Basketball Player of the Year navbox}}
{{SEC Male Athlete of the Year}}
{{McDonald's All-American Game Boys MVP}}
{{1992 NBA draft}}
{{NBA NumberOne Draft Picks}}
{{Los Angeles Lakers 1999–2000 NBA champions}}
{{Los Angeles Lakers 2000–01 NBA champions}}
{{Los Angeles Lakers 2001–02 NBA champions}}
{{Miami Heat 2005–06 NBA champions}}
{{United States Squad 1994 FIBA World Championship}}
{{Footer 1996 Olympic Champions Basketball Men}}
{{FIBA World Championship MVP Award}}
{{NBA All-Star Game MVP Award}}
{{NBA MVPs}}
{{NBA Finals MVPs}}
{{NBA Rookies of the Year}}
{{NBA scoring leaders}}
{{IBM Award}}
{{BET Award for Sportsman of the Year}}
{{NBA50}}
{{NBA75}}
{{2016 Basketball HOF}}
{{Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame}}
{{FIBA Hall of Fame}}
{{Best NBA Player ESPY Award}}
{{Orlando Magic}}
{{Los Angeles Lakers}}
{{Miami Heat}}
{{NBA on TNT}}
}}
{{Portal bar|Basketball|Biography|Sports|United States}}
{{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Oneal, Shaquille}}
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