Full History Of Shaquille O'Neal In Timeline From 1969

1969: Jerry West Playoff Scoring Record

In 1969, Jerry West scored 53 points, the most for the Lakers in a playoff game, before Shaquille O'Neal scored 46 in 1996.

1970: Willis Reed wins NBA MVP

In 1970, Willis Reed won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards.

March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal Born

On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal was born in Newark, New Jersey.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Michael Jordan All-Star Starter

In 1985, Michael Jordan was the first rookie to be voted an All-Star starter before Shaquille O'Neal did the same.

1989: State Record for Rebounds

During the 1989 season, Shaquille O'Neal recorded 791 rebounds, setting a state record for a player in any classification while playing at Robert G. Cole High School.

1989: Studies Business at LSU

In 1989, after graduating high school, Shaquille O'Neal began studying business at Louisiana State University (LSU).

1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy

In 1991, while at LSU, Shaquille O'Neal received the Adolph Rupp Trophy as NCAA men's basketball player of the year.

1992: NBA Rookie of the Year Award

In 1992 Shaquille O'Neal was awarded NBA Rookie of the Year award.

1992: Rookie Season

In 1992, O'Neal started his rookie season.

1992: Drafted into the NBA

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic as the first overall pick in the NBA draft.

1992: Drafted by Orlando Magic

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected by the Orlando Magic with the 1st overall pick in the NBA draft.

November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double

On November 20, 1993, Shaquille O'Neal recorded his first career triple-double against the New Jersey Nets, with 24 points, 28 rebounds, and 15 blocks.

1993: Appeared in NBA Jam

In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Jam.

1993: Debut Album Release

In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal released his debut rap album, "Shaq Diesel", which received platinum certification from the RIAA.

1993: NBA Rookie of the Year

In 1993, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

1993: Breaking Backboards with Dunks

In 1993, during his first season in the NBA, O'Neal broke steel backboard supports with his powerful dunks on two occasions, leading the league to increase the brace strength and stability of backboards for the following 1993–94 season.

1994: FIBA World Championship MVP

In 1994, O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, where he led Dream Team II to a gold medal with an 8-0 record, averaging 18 points and 8.5 rebounds.

1994: Dream Team III Selection

In 1994, O'Neal was selected as one of two players (along with Reggie Miller) from the 1994 roster to be named to Dream Team III.

1994: Appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW)

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal made several appearances in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), including at the Bash at the Beach pay per view where he presented the title belt.

1994: Release of Shaq Fu: The Return

In 1994, Shaquille O'Neal released his rap album, Shaq Fu: The Return, which included the song "Biological Didn't Bother" where he expressed disdain for his biological father.

1994: Magic Make Playoffs

In 1994, teamed with Anfernee "Penny" Hardaway, the Magic finished with a record of 50–32 and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

1994: Leads NBA in Scoring

In the 1994-1995 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal led the NBA in scoring with a 29.3 point average.

1995: Three-Point Shot

During the 1995-96 NBA season, Shaquille O'Neal made one three-point shot while playing with the Orlando Magic. This was one of only 22 attempts during his entire career.

1995: Injured during the season

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

1995: NBA Finals Appearance

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic reached the NBA Finals, facing the Houston Rockets.

1995: Appeared in Pepsi Commercials

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in several Pepsi commercials, including one that parodied shows like I Love Lucy, Bonanza, and Woody Woodpecker.

1995: Guest Appearance on Michael Jackson's Album

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal was featured alongside Michael Jackson as a guest rapper on "2 Bad", a song from Jackson's album HIStory.

1995: NBA Season

Shaquille O'Neal was a free agent after the 1995-96 NBA season.

December 17, 1996: Shoving Dennis Rodman

On December 17, 1996, Shaquille O'Neal shoved Dennis Rodman of the Chicago Bulls during a game.

1996: Decline of International Competition

Following the 1996 Olympics, O'Neal declined to participate in further international competitions.

1996: Injured during the season

In 1996 Shaquille O'Neal was injured for a great deal of the 1995-96 season, missing 28 games.

1996: Michael Jordan wins NBA MVP

In 1996, Michael Jordan won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards.

1996: Atlanta Olympics Gold Medal

In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics with a perfect 8-0 record, averaging 9.3 points and 5.3 rebounds. He rotated with Hakeem Olajuwon and David Robinson.

1997: Animated version of himself in Johnny Bravo

In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in the Johnny Bravo animated series, specifically in the episode titled "Back on Shaq."

1998: Michael Jordan wins NBA MVP

In 1998, Michael Jordan won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards.

1998: Lakers Finish Season

In 1998, The Lakers finished the season 61–21, first in the Pacific Division, and were the second seed in the western conference during the 1998 NBA Playoffs.

November 10, 1999: Ejection with Charles Barkley

On November 10, 1999, during a game against the Houston Rockets, Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after a physical altercation that began with O'Neal blocking Barkley's layup.

1999: Most Valuable Player Award

In 1999 Shaquille O'Neal was awarded Most Valuable Player (MVP).

1999: Anger Over FIBA AmeriCup Omission

In 1999, O'Neal expressed anger and a sense of "lack of respect" after being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad.

1999: MVP Vote Short

In 1999, O'Neal was one vote short of becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history. Fred Hickman, then of CNN, instead chose Allen Iverson.

1999: Phil Jackson Hired

In 1999, prior to the 1999-2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach.

1999: Coaching and Playoff Changes

In 1999, the Lakers experienced further changes with the firing of coach Del Harris, replaced by Kurt Rambis. The team finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31-19 record but were swept in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs by the San Antonio Spurs.

March 6, 2000: Career-High Scoring Game

On March 6, 2000, Shaquille O'Neal's 28th birthday, he achieved a career-high of 61 points, along with 23 rebounds and 3 assists, in a 123-103 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.

December 8, 2000: Missing All Free Throws

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 for futility in free throw shooting.

2000: Mutombo as Defensive Player of the Year

In 2000, Dikembe Mutombo won the Defensive Player of the Year award, later to be the player that O'Neal fouled out on in the 2001 NBA Finals Game 3.

2000: First NBA Title

In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant, utilizing Jackson's triangle offense, began their successful run, leading the Lakers to their first of three consecutive titles.

2000: Opting Out of 2000 Olympics

In 2000, O'Neal declined to participate in the 2000 Olympics, stating that two gold medals were sufficient.

2000: MVP Award and All-Defensive Team Selection

In 2000, O'Neal was voted the regular season Most Valuable Player, narrowly missing a unanimous vote, and was also selected for the All-Defensive Team (second-team).

2000: Began Training in Mixed Martial Arts

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal began training in mixed martial arts (MMA) at Jonathan Burke's Gracie Gym, learning boxing, jiu-jitsu, Muay Thai, and wrestling.

2000: Earning Bachelor's Degree from LSU

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal fulfilled his promise to his mother by earning his B.A. degree in general studies from LSU, with a minor in political science. He missed a home game to attend graduation, stating he could now get a real job.

2000: First NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2000: MVP Award and All-Star Game MVP

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP and Finals MVP awards.

2000: Jackson's Challenge to O'Neal

In 2000, after being hired, Phil Jackson challenged O'Neal, suggesting the NBA's MVP trophy should be named after him.

2000: Screen Actors Guild Strike Fine

In 2000, during the Screen Actors Guild strike, Shaquille O'Neal performed in a commercial for Disney and was subsequently fined by the union for crossing the picket line.

2001: Toe Pain Concerns

After the 2001-2002 season, O'Neal expressed concerns to friends about constant pain in his toe, potentially impacting his career.

2001: Fouling Out in NBA Finals

During Game 3 of the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out after backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000-2001 Defensive Player of the Year, leading to O'Neal's criticism of Mutombo's alleged flopping.

2001: Second NBA Title

In 2001, O'Neal and Bryant, utilizing Jackson's triangle offense, led the Lakers to their second of three consecutive titles.

2001: Appearance in 311 Music Video

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe".

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2001: Second NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second NBA championship as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers.

2001: Featured in Aaron Carter's Hit Single

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal was featured in Aaron Carter's hit single "That's How I Beat Shaq" and appeared in the music video.

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2001: Most Games since 2001

In 2004-2005 season, O'Neal played in 73 games, his most since the 2001 season, where he also averaged 22.9 points a game along with 10.4 rebounds and 2.3 blocks.

January 2002: On-Court Brawl and Suspension

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in a brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls, resulting in a three-game suspension and a $15,000 fine after punching center Brad Miller.

December 26, 2002: Married Shaunie Nelson

On December 26, 2002, Shaquille O'Neal married Shaunie Nelson. They have four children together, and O'Neal adopted Nelson's son from a previous relationship.

2002: Third NBA Title

In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant, utilizing Jackson's triangle offense, led the Lakers to their third consecutive title. O'Neal was named MVP of the NBA Finals all three times.

2002: Skipping 2002 FIBA World Championship

In 2002, O'Neal chose not to play in the 2002 FIBA World Championship.

2002: Toe Surgery Recovery

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002-03 season to recover from toe surgery, opting against a more invasive procedure.

2002: Voice actor in Quest for the Code

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in Quest for the Code as a voice actor.

2002: Participated in Motorcycle Mania 2

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal participated in the Discovery Channel special Motorcycle Mania 2, requesting a custom motorcycle from Jesse James.

2002: Animated version of himself in Static Shock

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal voiced an animated version of himself in the Static Shock animated series, specifically in the episode titled "Static Shaq."

2002: Third NBA Championship with Lakers

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal won his third consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers.

2002: Controversy and Allegations

In 2002, during the Western Conference finals against the Sacramento Kings, O'Neal accused Kings' center Vlade Divac of flopping.

2002: Comments Fueling Lakers-Kings Rivalry

Throughout 2002, Shaquille O'Neal's comments fueled the Lakers' rivalry with the Sacramento Kings. During the victory parade in 2002, O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series.

2003: Recruitment Efforts

For the 2003-04 season, O'Neal assisted in the Lakers' recruitment efforts, persuading Karl Malone and Gary Payton to join the team for a chance to win a championship, despite lower salaries. He later yelled at Jerry Buss, the owner of the Lakers, 'Pay me'.

2003: Appeared in NBA Jam

In 2003, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Jam.

2003: Lakers Fail to Reach Finals

In 2003, after a slow start, the Lakers finished the season as the fifth seed and did not reach the NBA Finals.

July 14, 2004: Trade to Miami Heat

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 choice. O'Neal changed his jersey number from 34 to 32 and promised to bring a championship to Miami.

2004: All-Star and MVP Runner-up

In 2004, O'Neal made his 12th consecutive All-Star Team, made the All-NBA 1st Team, won the Eastern Conference Player of the Month award, and narrowly lost the 2004-05 MVP Award to Steve Nash.

2004: Rejection of 2004 Olympics Offer

In 2004, O'Neal rejected an offer to play in the 2004 Olympics.

2004: Featured in NBA Live 2004, NBA Ballers, Backyard Basketball, and NBA Inside Drive 2004.

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Ballers, NBA Live 2004, Backyard Basketball and on the cover of NBA Inside Drive 2004.

2004: Trade to Miami Heat

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat.

2004: Loss to Pistons and Trade Demand

In 2004, after the Lakers' loss to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, coupled with comments from Lakers' management and Phil Jackson's departure, O'Neal demanded a trade, citing the team's focus on appeasing Bryant.

2004: Tension with Bryant

In 2004, leading up to the 2003-2004 season, tension between O'Neal and Kobe Bryant escalated, with Bryant criticizing O'Neal's physical condition and commitment to the team in an ESPN interview.

March 2, 2005: Honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal Title

On March 2, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was given an honorary U.S. Deputy Marshal title and named the spokesman for the Safe Surfin' Foundation, serving an honorary role on the task force to track down sexual predators targeting children online.

June 2005: Offer to pay George Mikan's funeral expenses

In June 2005, Shaquille O'Neal offered to pay all funeral expenses for Hall of Fame center George Mikan, whom O'Neal considered a major influence, and the family accepted.

August 2005: Contract Extension with the Heat

In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year contract extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million.

December 8, 2005: Sworn in as Miami Beach Reserve Officer

On December 8, 2005, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a Miami Beach reserve officer, electing for a private ceremony and assuming a $1-per-year salary. He later helped police track down suspects in a hate crime.

2005: Comparing Play to Erick Dampier

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center. This quip inspired countless references by announcers during those playoffs.

2005: Ankle Injury and Coaching Change

In 2005, O'Neal injured his right ankle, missing 18 games, and subsequently, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, with Pat Riley taking over as head coach of the Heat.

2005: Earning MBA Degree

In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix, stating it was something to have on his resume for when he goes back into reality.

2005: Reality series Shaquille on ESPN

In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal had a reality series called Shaquille on ESPN.

2005: League Leader in Field Goal Percentage

In 2005-2006, O'Neal finished the season as the league leader in field goal percentage.

2005: Feud with Kobe Bryant

In the summer of 2005, Shaquille O'Neal, when asked about Kobe Bryant, responded "I'm sorry, who?" and pretended that he did not know who Bryant was well into the 2005–06 season.

January 16, 2006: Reconciliation with Kobe Bryant

On January 16, 2006, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant made headlines by engaging in handshakes and hugs before a game between the Lakers and the Heat, signifying the end of their feud. O'Neal said he accepted Bill Russell's advice to make peace with Bryant.

April 11, 2006: Second Career Triple-Double

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.

2006: Appeared in NBA Ballers: Phenom

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the arcade version of NBA Ballers: Phenom as a current player and as a 1990s All-Star.

2006: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal met Erick Dampier during the NBA Finals.

2006: Injury and Criticism of Phil Jackson

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal missed 35 games due to a left knee injury requiring surgery. Following a Christmas Day game against the Lakers, he criticized Phil Jackson, referring to him as "Benedict Arnold" after Jackson said O'Neal wasn't a hard worker.

2006: Fourth NBA Championship with Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

2006: Declined 2006 Preliminary Roster Invitation

In 2006, although initially interested, O'Neal declined an invitation to be named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.

2006: Views on Flopping

In 2006, during a TIME interview, O'Neal stated that if he were NBA commissioner, he would eliminate flopping and make players earn their calls.

2006: Playoff Loss and Career Milestone

In 2006, the Heat were swept by the Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs, marking the first time in 50 years a defending champion was swept in the opening round. Despite this, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone.

2006: Jordan Farmar Draft

In 2006, the Lakers used the first-round draft choice acquired in the trade of O'Neal to select Jordan Farmar.

September 4, 2007: Filed for divorce from Shaunie Nelson

On September 4, 2007, Shaquille O'Neal filed for divorce from Shaunie Nelson in a Miami-Dade Circuit court, though the petition was later withdrawn.

2007: Trade to Phoenix Suns

In 2007, Midway through the 2007-2008 season Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

2007: Rough Start to Season

In 2007, O'Neal experienced a decline in performance, averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His role in the offense diminished, and he was plagued by fouls.

2007: Season with Miami Heat

In 2007, O'Neal played 33 games for the Miami Heat, averaging 14.2 points per game, before being traded to the Phoenix Suns.

2007: Regular Season with Phoenix Suns

In 2007, O'Neal played regular season games for the Phoenix Suns and averaged 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds, which was enough to make the playoffs.

2007: Appeared on Idol Gives Back

In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the first Idol Gives Back.

2007: Hosting Shaq's Big Challenge

In 2007, Shaquille O'Neal hosted "Shaq's Big Challenge", a reality show on ABC in which he challenged Florida kids to lose weight and stay in shape.

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February 2008: Altercation with Pat Riley

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with Heat coach Pat Riley during practice, leading to a trade. The disagreement was over Riley ordering Jason Williams to leave practice for being tardy. O'Neal and Riley argued face-to-face, escalating to physical contact.

February 2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns

In February 2008, O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns from the Miami Heat, who had a 9-37 record, in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

February 20, 2008: Suns Debut Against Former Team, the Lakers

On February 20, 2008, O'Neal debuted with the Suns against his former team, the Lakers, scoring 15 points and grabbing 9 rebounds, though the Lakers won 130-124. O'Neal expressed optimism and took blame for the loss, citing lack of tune with the team.

June 22, 2008: Diss Rap About Kobe Bryant

On June 22, 2008, Shaquille O'Neal freestyled a diss rap about Kobe Bryant in a New York club, blaming Bryant for his divorce, mocking Bryant's inability to win a championship without him, and using racially derogatory language. This led to controversy and the revocation of O'Neal's special deputyship by some sheriff departments.

December 25, 2008: Missing 5,000th Free Throw

On December 25, 2008, O'Neal missed his 5,000th free throw, becoming only the second player in NBA history to reach that mark, alongside Wilt Chamberlain.

2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns

In 2008, Midway through the 2007-2008 season Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns.

2008: Improved Performance with the Suns

In 2008, O'Neal improved his performance, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.6 blocks through the first half of the season, helping the Suns achieve a 23-18 record.

2008: Declined 2008 Preliminary Roster Invitation

In 2008, although initially interested, O'Neal declined an invitation to be named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster.

February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game Against Raptors

On February 27, 2009, O'Neal scored 45 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in a game against the Toronto Raptors, marking his 49th career 40-point game. The Suns won 133-113.

March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard

On March 3, 2009, in a game against the Orlando Magic, Dwight Howard outscored O'Neal 21-19. O'Neal joked he was "too old" to try and outscore Howard and he also made comments about flopping after being double-teamed and flopping against Howard.

June 17, 2009: Challenged Choi Hong-man to an MMA Fight

On June 17, 2009, Shaquille O'Neal challenged kickboxer and mixed martial artist Choi Hong-man to a mixed martial arts rules bout in a YouTube video.

June 25, 2009: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

On June 25, 2009, O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers for Ben Wallace, Sasha Pavlovic, $500,000, and a 2010 second-round draft pick. He stated his goal was to "Win a Ring for the King", referring to LeBron James.

July 2009: Guest Host for WWE's Monday Night Raw

In July 2009, Shaquille O'Neal served as the guest host for a live broadcast of World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE)'s Monday Night Raw, getting into an altercation with Big Show.

August 18, 2009: Shaq Vs. premiered on ABC

On August 18, 2009, Shaq Vs., a reality show featuring Shaquille O'Neal competing against other athletes, premiered on ABC.

November 10, 2009: Shaunie Nelson filed an intent to divorce

On November 10, 2009, Shaunie Nelson filed an intent to divorce Shaquille O'Neal, citing irreconcilable differences.

2009: Career Lows During Season

During the 2009-10 season, O'Neal experienced career lows in almost every major statistical category, due to splitting center duties with Zydrunas Ilgauskas.

2009: Missed Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team Selection

In 2009, O'Neal missed the NBA Playoffs for the first time since his rookie season in 1992-93, and he was named to the All-NBA Third Team. The Suns notified O'Neal that he might be traded to reduce costs.

2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP

In 2009, O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and shared the MVP award with Kobe Bryant.

2009: Attending Sportscaster U. Training Camp

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal attended the Sportscaster U. training camp at S. I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. He also studied directing and cinematography with the New York Film Academy's Filmmaking Conservatory.

2009: Inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame

In 2009, Shaquille O'Neal was inducted into the New Jersey Hall of Fame.

2009: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

In the 2009-2010 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

February 25, 2010: Thumb Injury

On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury during a game against the Boston Celtics, requiring surgery. He returned to play in time for the playoffs.

August 4, 2010: Signing with the Boston Celtics

On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal to a two-year contract for the veteran minimum salary of $2.8 million. Celtics coach Doc Rivers agreed to the signing with stipulations about no preferential treatment or locker room issues.

August 10, 2010: Introduction by the Celtics

On August 10, 2010, O'Neal was introduced by the Celtics and chose jersey number 36.

August 28, 2010: Reiterated Desire to Fight Choi Hong-man

On August 28, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal reiterated his desire to fight Choi Hong-man in an interview at UFC 118 in Boston.

December 20, 2010: Conducting the Boston Pops Orchestra

On December 20, 2010, Shaquille O'Neal conducted the Boston Pops Orchestra at the Boston Symphony Hall.

2010: Last Active American with FIBA Gold

Before 2010, O'Neal was the last active American player to have a gold medal from the FIBA World Cup.

2010: Unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010

In 2010, Shaquille O'Neal was an unlockable character in UFC Undisputed 2010.

2010: Trade to Cleveland Cavaliers

In the 2009-2010 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers.

June 1, 2011: Retirement Announcement via Social Media

On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via a short video on Twitter, thanking his fans for their support during his 19-year career.

June 3, 2011: Official Retirement Press Conference

On June 3, 2011, O'Neal held a press conference at his home in Orlando to officially announce his retirement from professional basketball.

July 14, 2011: Joined TNT as an NBA analyst

On July 14, 2011, Shaquille O'Neal announced he would join Turner Network Television (TNT) as an analyst on its NBA basketball games.

2011: Final Season and Playoff Appearance

In 2011, O'Neal stated he wasn't competing with guards. He also stated he was competing against Tim Duncan and he missed games due to leg injuries, played briefly after a cortisone shot, and was limited in the playoffs as the Heat eliminated the Celtics.

2011: Divorce from Shaunie Nelson finalized

In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal's divorce from Shaunie Nelson was finalized. O'Neal has stated he blames himself for the failed marriage.

January 31, 2012: Honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans

On January 31, 2012, Shaquille O'Neal was honored as one of the 35 Greatest McDonald's All-Americans.

August 2012: Split with Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander

In August 2012, Shaquille O'Neal and reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander ended their relationship after residing together in O'Neal's home in Sudbury, Massachusetts.

September 2012: Guest appearance on TNA's Impact Wrestling

In September 2012, Shaquille O'Neal made a guest appearance on Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA)'s Impact Wrestling program, with a backstage segment with Hulk Hogan.

2012: Receiving Ed.D. Degree

In 2012, Shaquille O'Neal received his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University, with his doctoral capstone topic being "The Duality of Humor and Aggression in Leadership Styles".

April 2, 2013: Lakers Retire Jersey

On April 2, 2013, the Los Angeles Lakers retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 34 jersey.

September 10, 2013: Death of stepfather, Philip Arthur Harrison

On September 10, 2013, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, Philip Arthur Harrison, passed away due to a heart attack.

September 2013: Became minority owner of the Sacramento Kings

In September 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings professional basketball team.

2013: Death of Phillip Arthur Harrison

In 2013, Phillip Arthur Harrison, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, passed away, which led to O'Neal mellowing his feelings toward his biological father.

2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.

2013: Endorsement of Chris Christie

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal endorsed Republican New Jersey governor Chris Christie in his reelection bid and appeared in a television advertisement.

2013: Voice Over Role in The Smurfs 2

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal had a voice over role in the film The Smurfs 2.

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January 11, 2014: Ceremonial First Puck at New Jersey Devils Game

On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal performed the ceremonial first puck drop and drove a Zamboni at a game between the New Jersey Devils and the Florida Panthers.

2014: Cole High Retires No. 33

In 2014, Cole High retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 33 jersey.

2014: Animated version of himself in Uncle Grandpa and The Lego Movie

In 2014, Shaquille O'Neal voiced animated versions of himself in the animated series Uncle Grandpa in the episode "Perfect Kid" and in The Lego Movie.

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January 20, 2015: Sworn in as Reserve Officer

On January 20, 2015, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a reserve officer for Doral, Florida's police force.

June 2015: Invested in Loyale3 Holdings Inc.

In June 2015, Shaquille O'Neal invested in Loyale3 Holdings Inc., a San Francisco brokerage firm that allows companies to sell IPOs directly to small investors.

September 2015: Joined South Korean Variety Show Off to School

In September 2015, Shaquille O'Neal appeared on the South Korean variety television show Off to School while promoting Reebok, where he went to Seo Incheon High School for three days.

2015: Shareef in high school basketball highlights

In 2015, Shareef O'Neal, Shaquille O'Neal's son, was seen in high school basketball highlights, noted for his different playing style compared to his father.

February 26, 2016: Miami Heat Jersey Retirement Announcement

On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced they would retire O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during the 2016-17 season. This made O'Neal one of just 32 athletes in American professional sports history to have his jersey retired by multiple teams.

March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father

In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met with his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time, telling him, "I don't hate you. I had a good life. I had Phil."

April 2016: Participated in André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32

In April 2016, Shaquille O'Neal participated in his first-ever match as a surprise celebrity entry in the André the Giant Memorial Battle Royal at WrestleMania 32, eliminating Damien Sandow and confronting Big Show.

September 2016: Reflection on the 2010 Playoffs

In September 2016, O'Neal expressed his disappointment about the Cavaliers' loss to the Boston Celtics in the second round of the 2010 playoffs. He believed that if he had been healthy, the team would have won a championship.

December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy in Jonesboro

In December 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, as part of the Clayton County Sheriff's Department, and holds the county record of Tallest Sheriff's Deputy.

December 22, 2016: Miami Heat Retires Jersey

On December 22, 2016, the Miami Heat retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during halftime of a game against his former team, the Los Angeles Lakers.

2016: Lip Sync Battle Performance

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal lip synced The B-52s song "Love Shack" on Lip Sync Battle. Host LL Cool J pointed out O'Neal was singing a love song to himself.

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2016: Purchase of Shaq-Ingham Palace

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre, two-house compound in McDonough, Georgia, for $1.15 million, naming the residence Shaq-Ingham Palace.

2016: Elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.

2016: Purchased Krispy Kreme location and became global spokesperson

In late 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased the Krispy Kreme location at 295 Ponce de Leon Avenue in Atlanta and became the global spokesperson for the company.

January 2017: Social media call-outs for WrestleMania 33 match

In January 2017, Shaquille O'Neal and Big Show began calling each other out on social media, posting workout videos in preparation for a potential match at WrestleMania 33.

July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball

In July 2017, Shaquille O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball after Ball claimed he and his son LaMelo could beat O'Neal and his son Shareef in basketball.

2017: Elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame

In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame.

March 2018: Split with Laticia Rolle

In March 2018, Shaquille O'Neal and Laticia Rolle, a model, ended their relationship.

April 2018: Named general manager of Kings Guard Gaming

In April 2018, Shaquille O'Neal was named the general manager of Kings Guard Gaming, the Sacramento Kings' NBA 2K League affiliate.

2018: Created Shaq's Fun House

In 2018, Shaquille O'Neal created Shaq's Fun House, an annual music festival, circus, and carnival, with Medium Rare.

2018: Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn released

In 2018, The sequel to Shaq Fu, titled Shaq Fu: A Legend Reborn, was released.

2019: Joined Papa John's board of directors and invested in stores

In early 2019, Shaquille O'Neal joined the Papa John's board of directors, invested in nine stores in the Atlanta area, and became the spokesperson for the company.

November 11, 2020: Teased Arrival in All Elite Wrestling (AEW)

On November 11, 2020, Jade Cargill teased the arrival of Shaquille O'Neal in All Elite Wrestling (AEW) on AEW Dynamite.

March 3, 2021: Teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet

On March 3, 2021, Shaquille O'Neal teamed with Jade Cargill to defeat Cody Rhodes and Red Velvet on AEW Dynamite, paying tribute to Brodie Lee and being driven through two tables by Cody.

October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

October 23, 2021: DJ Diesel Performance at Electric Daisy Carnival

On October 23, 2021, Shaquille O'Neal, as DJ Diesel, performed on the bassPOD stage at the Electric Daisy Carnival in Las Vegas, Nevada.

2021: Inspiration for Number 33

In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal said his admiration for Patrick Ewing inspired him to wear the number 33.

2021: Spokesperson for FTX

In 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was a paid spokesperson for FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange.

January 2022: Sold his stake in the Sacramento Kings

In January 2022, Shaquille O'Neal sold his stake in the Sacramento Kings.

February 2022: U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals Ruling on Bitconnect lawsuit

In February 2022, the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled in a lawsuit against Bitconnect that the Securities Act of 1933 extends to targeted solicitation using social media.

July 4, 2022: DJ Diesel Performance at Jersey City Festival

On July 4, 2022, Shaquille O'Neal performed as DJ Diesel at the Jersey City 4th of July Festival alongside Flo Rida.

October 2022: Contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports

In October 2022, Shaquille O'Neal signed a long-term contract extension with Warner Bros. Discovery Sports to continue as a host on Inside the NBA.

November 2022: FTX filed for bankruptcy

In November 2022, FTX, a cryptocurrency exchange for which Shaquille O'Neal was a spokesperson, filed for bankruptcy, wiping out billions in customer funds and O'Neal's personal stake.

2022: Among the five wealthiest NBA players

As of 2022, Shaquille O'Neal was among the five wealthiest NBA players, with a net worth of $400 million.

2022: Departure from Sacramento Kings Ownership

In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal ended his tenure as a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings.

2022: Premiered Shaqtoberfest

In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal premiered Shaqtoberfest, a Halloween event in Long Beach, California.

2022: Ranked Among NBA's Greatest

In 2022, The Athletic ranked Shaquille O'Neal as the 8th greatest player in NBA history to commemorate the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

June 7, 2023: Release of "Bang Your Head"

On June 7, 2023, Shaquille O'Neal, as DJ Diesel, released his first single titled "Bang Your Head" in collaboration with Hairitage, from his debut album Gorilla Warfare.

July 2023: Purchase of Bombardier Challenger 650 private jet

In July 2023, Shaquille O'Neal purchased his first private jet, a $27 million Bombardier Challenger 650, complete with the iconic "Dunkman" logo on the tail.

October 2023: Named Reebok's President of Basketball

In October 2023, Shaquille O'Neal was named Reebok's president of Basketball.

November 2023: Me'Arah O'Neal signs with Florida Gators

In November 2023, Shaquille O'Neal's daughter, Me'Arah, signed her national letter of intent to play basketball for the Florida Gators.

December 13, 2023: Antetokounmpo's 64-Point Game

On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers. This was the first instance of a player scoring 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer since O'Neal's performance on March 6, 2000.

2023: Attempted Grappling Match with Georges St-Pierre

In 2023, Chael Sonnen revealed that he once attempted to arrange a grappling match between Shaquille O'Neal and multiple-time UFC world champion Georges St-Pierre.

February 13, 2024: Orlando Magic Retires Jersey

On February 13, 2024, the Orlando Magic retired Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey, marking the first time they retired a player's number. He became the third player to have his number retired by three NBA teams, joining Wilt Chamberlain and Pete Maravich.

May 3, 2024: Announced as co-host of Lucky 13

On May 3, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal was announced as one of the co-hosts of the upcoming ABC game show Lucky 13.

July 18, 2024: Lucky 13 series premiere

On July 18, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal co-hosted the series premiere of the ABC game show Lucky 13.

September 2024: Launched Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies line with The Hershey Company

In September 2024, Shaquille O'Neal launched the Shaq-a-licious XL Gummies line of oversized gummy candy with The Hershey Company.

December 24, 2024: Verse on Redman's track 'Lite It Up'

On December 24, 2024, Shaquille O'Neal contributed a verse to the rapper Redman's track "Lite It Up" from the Muddy Waters Too album.

2024: Collaboration with Fortnite

In 2024, Shaquille O'Neal collaborated with Fortnite to appear as player skins, including his DJ Diesel persona and rendition as LEGO minifigure in LEGO Fortnite.