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 O'Neal, or Shaq, is a retired American professional basketball player and current sports analyst. Standing at 7'1" and weighing 325 pounds, he played center for six NBA teams over 19 years. Known as "Diesel" and other nicknames, O'Neal is a four-time NBA champion and is considered one of the greatest centers in basketball history.

Sections (7)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

1995: Injured Season

During the 1995-96 season, O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the season, missing 28 games.

1998: Lakers personnel changes and instability

In 1998, the Lakers experienced personnel changes with Nick Van Exel traded to the Denver Nuggets, and Eddie Jones and Elden Campbell traded for Glen Rice. These changes aimed to satisfy O'Neal's demand for a shooter.

1999: Lakers' Playoff Exit and Spurs' Championship

In 1999, the Lakers finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31–19 record. They made the playoffs but were swept by the San Antonio Spurs in the second round, who later won the NBA title.

December 8, 2000: Missed all Free Throw Attempts

On December 8, 2000, Shaquille O'Neal missed all 11 of his free throw attempts in a game against the Seattle SuperSonics, setting a record.

2001: Corrective toe surgery

A month before the 2001–02 season's training camp, O'Neal had corrective surgery for a claw toe deformity in the smallest toe of his left foot. He opted against a more involved surgery in favor of a quicker return.

2001: Toe Injury and Considerations

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. The corrective options ranged from reconstructive surgery on the toe to rehabilitation exercises with more shoe inserts and anti-inflammation medication. O'Neal was wary of the long-term damage his frequent consumption of these medications might have.

2002: Toe Surgery and Recovery

O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season to recover from toe surgery. He had hallux rigidus, a degenerative arthritis in his toe, and delayed the surgery until just before training camp.

2003: X-Men Film Series Rejection

In 2003, Shaquille O'Neal reportedly wanted a role in X2, the second installment of the X-Men film series, but was ignored by the filmmakers.

2003: Lakers fail to reach the Finals

In 2003, after a slow start due to O'Neal's absence, the Lakers fell to the fifth seed and did not reach the NBA Finals.

2004: Contract Extension Demands and Tension with Kobe Bryant

At the beginning of the 2003-04 season, O'Neal sought a contract extension with a raise, leading to tension with Lakers owner Jerry Buss and teammate Kobe Bryant. Bryant criticized O'Neal's fitness, leadership, and salary demands in an interview with ESPN's Jim Gray.

2004: Loss in the 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 comments made by Lakers GM Mitch Kupchak and the departure of coach Phil Jackson. The Lakers ultimately traded O'Neal after failing to acquire Dirk Nowitzki.

2005: Ankle Injury, Van Gundy Resignation and Riley Appointment

During the 2005-06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle in the second game and missed 18 games. Upon his return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned and Pat Riley took over as head coach. O'Neal criticized Van Gundy for being a 'frontrunner'.

2006: Knee Injury, Criticism of Phil Jackson

During the 2006-07 season, O'Neal missed 35 games due to a knee injury. He criticized his former coach, Phil Jackson, calling him "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson said O'Neal was not a hard worker.

2007: Experienced rough start for the season

In the 2007-08 season, O'Neal experienced a rough start, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks.

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 Chamberlain.

2009: Averaged career lows during the season

During the 2009–10 season, O'Neal averaged career lows in almost every major statistical category, largely due to splitting Center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

February 25, 2010: Suffered Thumb Injury

On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury while attempting to go up for a shot against Glen Davis of the Boston Celtics.

2010: Ranked Third in Free Throws Taken

Up to and including the 2010–11 season, O'Neal was the third-ranked player all-time in free throws taken, having attempted 11,252 free-throws in 1,207 games.