Challenges in the Life of Shaquille O'Neal in a Detailed Timeline
Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Shaquille O'Neal. A timeline of obstacles and growth.
Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, or Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7-foot-1-inch and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion widely considered one of the greatest basketball players and centers in history.
1995: Injured for a Great Deal of the Season
During the 1995-96 season, Shaquille O'Neal was injured and missed 28 games. He averaged 26.6 points and 11 rebounds per game.
December 17, 1996: Shoving Dennis Rodman
On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls, leading to a confrontation that was diffused by other players.
1998: Personnel Changes
During the 1998-99 season, the Los Angeles Lakers saw personnel changes with Nick Van Exel being traded to the Denver Nuggets and Eddie Jones being traded for Glen Rice to satisfy O'Neal's demand for a shooter.
1999: Swept by Spurs
In 1999, the Lakers were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs, who went on to win the NBA title.
December 8, 2000: Missed 11 Free Throws
On December 8, 2000, O'Neal missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics, setting a record.
2001: Corrective surgery for claw toe deformity
A month before the 2001-02 season's training camp, O'Neal underwent corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in his left foot.
2001: Toe Injury Concerns
After the 2001–2002 season, O'Neal expressed concerns about constant pain from his big right toe and the long-term effects of anti-inflammation medication.
2001: Fouled out in Game 3 of the NBA Finals
During the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Game 3 after backing over Dikembe Mutombo.
January 2002: On-court brawl against the Chicago Bulls
In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in an on-court brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls, leading to a suspension and fine.
2002: Toe surgery and missed games
Shaquille O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season recovering from toe surgery.
2003: Lakers failed to reach the Finals
At the end of the 2002-03 season, the Lakers had fallen to the fifth seed and failed to reach the Finals in 2003.
2003: Failed X-Men Movie Role
In 2003, O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in X2, the second installment of the X-Men film series, but was ignored by the filmmakers.
2004: Contract Extension Demands and Feud with Kobe Bryant
At the beginning of the 2003-04 season, O'Neal sought a contract extension with a pay raise, leading to increased tension and a public feud with Kobe Bryant.
2004: Loss in NBA Finals and Trade Demand
In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals. Following the series, O'Neal demanded a trade due to disagreements with team management and perceived favoritism towards Kobe Bryant.
2005: Ankle injury and coaching change
During the 2005-06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Upon his return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over.
2006: Heat swept by Bulls in first round
In the 2006-07 NBA playoffs, the Heat were swept by the Bulls in the first round. It was the first time in 50 years a defending NBA champion was swept in the opening round.
2006: Knee injury and comments on Phil Jackson
In the 2006-07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury. He also referred to Phil Jackson as "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson made comments about O'Neal's work ethic.
2007: Rough Start to the 2007-08 Season
In 2007, O'Neal experienced a decline in performance, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks for the 2007-08 season. Fouls plagued him, and his All-Star appearance streak ended.
2007: Elimination by Spurs in 2007 NBA Playoffs
In 2007, the Suns were eliminated in six games by the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA playoffs.
February 2008: Altercation with Pat Riley and Trade
In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during practice over tardiness, leading to a face-to-face argument. Riley decided to trade O'Neal shortly after the incident.
December 25, 2008: Missed 5,000th Free Throw
On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming the second player in NBA history to do so, along with Wilt Chamberlain.
March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard
On March 3, 2009, in a game against Orlando, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard. O'Neal also flopped during the game, which caused disagreement with Stan Van Gundy.
2009: Career Lows in 2009-10 Season
During the 2009-10 season, O'Neal experienced career lows in almost every major statistical category due to sharing center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.
2009: Missed Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team
In 2009, O'Neal missed the NBA playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team.
February 25, 2010: Thumb Injury
On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury during a game against the Boston Celtics and required surgery.
2011: Injuries and Limited Play in 2011 Playoffs
In 2011, O'Neal missed games due to various injuries and was limited to 12 minutes in two games during the second round of the playoffs, as the Heat eliminated the Celtics.
