History of Shaquille O'Neal in Timeline

Shaquille O'Neal, or Shaq, is a celebrated American former professional basketball player and current sports analyst on Inside the NBA. Standing at 7-foot-1 and weighing 325 pounds, he dominated as a center for six NBA teams over his 19-year career. A four-time NBA champion, O'Neal is considered among the greatest basketball players and centers in the history of the sport.

Sections (7)

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

1969: Jerry West's Playoff Scoring Record

In 1969, Jerry West scored 53 points in a playoff game for the Lakers, setting a record that stood until Shaquille O'Neal scored 46 in his first playoff game for the team in 1997.

1970: Willis Reed wins NBA MVP

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

March 6, 1972: Shaquille O'Neal Born

On March 6, 1972, Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal, also known as Shaq, was born in Newark, New Jersey. He later became a dominant force in the NBA.

Others born on this day/year

1985: Michael Jordan Voted All-Star Starter as Rookie

In 1985, Michael Jordan was the first rookie since Shaquille O'Neal was named the 1993 NBA Rookie of the Year, to be voted an All-Star starter.

1989: Studies Business at LSU

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

1989: Record-Breaking Rebounds

In 1989, during his senior year at Robert G. Cole High School, Shaquille O'Neal achieved a state record of 791 rebounds, showcasing his dominance in high school basketball.

1991: Adolph Rupp Trophy

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

1992: Rookie of the Year

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was named the NBA Rookie of the Year.

1992: Drafted by Orlando Magic

In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal was selected as the first overall pick in the NBA draft by the Orlando Magic, marking the beginning of his professional basketball career.

November 20, 1993: First Triple-Double

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

1993: Debut Album Shaq Diesel Released

Beginning in 1993, Shaquille O'Neal began to compose rap music and released five studio albums and one compilation album. His 1993 debut album, Shaq Diesel, 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, recognizing his outstanding performance during his first season in the league.

1993: Breaking Backboards

In 1993, during his first season in the NBA, O'Neal's powerful dunks broke the steel backboard supports, prompting the league to increase their strength for the following season.

1994: FIBA World Championship MVP

In 1994, O'Neal was named MVP of the FIBA World Championship, leading Dream Team II to a gold medal.

1994: Selection to Dream Team III

In 1994, O'Neal was selected as one of two players from the 1994 FIBA World Championship roster to be named to the Dream Team III.

1994: Led NBA in Scoring

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

1994: Release of Shaq Fu: The Return

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

1994: Playoffs with Magic

In 1994, teamed with Penny Hardaway, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

1995: NBA Finals with the Magic

In 1995, Shaquille O'Neal led the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals, showcasing his dominance in the league.

1995: Featured on HIStory 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: Injured for a Great Deal of Season

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

1995: First Three-Point Shot

In 1995, during the 1995-96 NBA season with the Orlando Magic, Shaquille O'Neal made his first and only three-point shot.

1995: NBA Season

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

December 17, 1996: Shoves Dennis Rodman

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

1996: Declined International Competition

After his experience in 1996, O'Neal declined to play in future international competitions.

1996: Gold Medal at the Atlanta Olympics

In 1996, O'Neal won another gold medal at the Atlanta Olympics with Dream Team III.

1996: Named to NBA 50th Anniversary Team

In 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 50th Anniversary Team.

1996: Swept by Chicago Bulls in Eastern Conference Finals

In 1996, despite a strong regular season, Shaquille O'Neal and the Orlando Magic were swept by Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls in the Eastern Conference finals.

1996: Olympic Gold Medal

In the summer of 1996, Shaquille O'Neal was part of the gold medal-winning United States Olympic basketball team at the Atlanta Olympics.

1997: Starred in Steel

In 1997, Shaquille O'Neal starred as John Henry Irons, the protagonist in the film Steel, becoming one of the first African Americans to portray a major comic book superhero in a motion picture.

1998: Michael Jordan wins NBA MVP

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

1998: Lakers Instability and Personnel Changes

In 1998, the Lakers experienced instability due to personnel changes, including the trade of Nick Van Exel and Eddie Jones to satisfy O'Neal's demand for a shooter. These changes impacted the team's dynamics during the season.

November 10, 1999: Ejection in Game Against Houston Rockets

On November 10, 1999, in a game against the Houston Rockets, O'Neal and Charles Barkley were ejected after O'Neal shoved Barkley, who then threw the ball at O'Neal after O'Neal blocked a layup by Barkley.

1999: Anger over FIBA AmeriCup Snub

In 1999, O'Neal expressed anger at being overlooked for the FIBA AmeriCup squad, calling it a "lack of respect".

1999: MVP Vote Short of Unanimous

In 1999, O'Neal was voted the 1999–2000 regular season Most Valuable Player, one vote short of becoming the first unanimous MVP in NBA history; Fred Hickman chose Allen Iverson instead.

1999: MVP Award

In 1999, Shaquille O'Neal won the Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award, recognizing his outstanding performance.

1999: Phil Jackson Hired as Head Coach

In 1999, prior to the 1999–2000 season, the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as head coach. Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal.

1999: Lakers' Playoff Sweep and NBA Title

In 1999, the Lakers finished the lockout-shortened season with a 31–19 record and made the playoffs, but they were swept by the San Antonio Spurs, led by Tim Duncan and David Robinson, in the second round of the Western Conference playoffs. The Spurs would go on to win their first NBA title in 1999.

March 6, 2000: Career-High 61 Points on 28th Birthday

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

Others born on this day/year

December 8, 2000: Missed 11 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: Fined for Crossing Picket Line

During the 2000 Screen Actors Guild strike, Shaquille O'Neal performed in a commercial for Disney, resulting in a fine from the union for crossing the picket line.

2000: Defensive Player of the Year

In 2000, Dikembe Mutombo was the Defensive Player of the Year.

2000: NBA Title

In 2000, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive titles using Jackson's triangle offense.

2000: Forwent Olympics

In 2000, O'Neal forwent an opportunity to participate in the Olympics, stating that two gold medals were enough.

2000: MVP Award and All-Defensive Team Selection

In 2000, O'Neal was voted the 1999-2000 regular season Most Valuable Player (MVP) and also won the scoring title while finishing second in rebounds and third in blocked shots. He was also selected for the All-Defensive Team (second-team).

2000: Earned B.A. Degree from LSU

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal fulfilled his promise to his mother and earned his B.A. degree in general studies from LSU, with a minor in political science. Coach Phil Jackson let O'Neal miss a home game so he could attend graduation.

2000: Triple Award Winner

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal was recognized as the NBA MVP, All-Star Game MVP, and Finals MVP.

2000: First Championship with Lakers

In 2000, Shaquille O'Neal won his first NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2000: Phil Jackson Challenges O'Neal

In 2000, the Los Angeles Lakers' new head coach Phil Jackson immediately challenged O'Neal, telling him "the [NBA's] MVP trophy should be named after him when he retired."

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 to return quicker.

2001: Fouled Out in Game 3 of NBA Finals

During the 2001 NBA Finals against the 76ers, O'Neal fouled out in Game 3 backing over Dikembe Mutombo, the 2000–2001 Defensive Player of the Year. O'Neal expressed his discontent with Mutombo's alleged flopping.

2001: NBA Title

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

2001: Appeared in Music Video

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal appeared in the 311 music video for the hit single "You Wouldn't Believe" and also in P. Diddy's video for "Bad Boy for Life", the video for Aaron Carter's "That's How I Beat Shaq".

2001: Second Championship with Lakers

In 2001, Shaquille O'Neal secured his second consecutive NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers, further solidifying his legacy.

2001: Appeared in Aaron Carter's Single

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

2001: Most Games Played

In 2004–05 season with the Miami Heat O'Neal played in 73 games, his most since 2001 season.

January 2002: On-Court Brawl and Suspension

In January 2002, O'Neal was involved in an on-court brawl during a game against the Chicago Bulls. He punched center Brad Miller after an intentional foul, resulting in a melee. O'Neal was suspended for three games without pay and fined $15,000.

2002: NBA Title

In 2002, O'Neal and Bryant led the Lakers to three consecutive titles using Jackson's triangle offense.

2002: Declined to play in FIBA World Championship

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

2002: Toe Surgery and Sidelining

In 2002, O'Neal missed the first 12 games of the 2002–03 season due to recovery from toe surgery for hallux rigidus. He delayed the surgery until just before training camp.

2002: Third Championship with Lakers

In 2002, Shaquille O'Neal and the Los Angeles Lakers completed a three-peat, winning their third consecutive NBA championship.

2002: Sacramento Queens Declaration

In 2002, during the Lakers' victory parade, Shaquille O'Neal declared that Sacramento would never be the capital of California, after the Lakers beat the Kings in a tough seven-game series en route to its third championship with O'Neal. O'Neal often referred to the Sacramento team as the "Queens".

2002: Comments on Sacramento Kings

In 2002, matched up against the Sacramento Kings in the 2002 Western Conference finals, O'Neal made controversial comments suggesting the Kings were cheating by flopping. He referred to Divac as "she".

2003: Lakers Failed to Reach the Finals

At the end of the 2002-2003 season, the Lakers had fallen to the fifth seed and failed to reach the Finals in 2003.

2003: Recruitment of Karl Malone and Gary Payton

For the 2003–04 season, O'Neal assisted in the recruitment efforts and personally persuaded Karl Malone and Gary Payton to join the Lakers, each forgoing larger salaries for a chance to win an NBA championship.

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. He changed his jersey number to 32 and promised to bring a championship to Miami.

2004: Contract Extension Demands and Feud with Bryant

At the beginning of the 2003–04 season, O'Neal wanted a contract extension with a pay raise, leading to tension with the Lakers management. The feud with Kobe Bryant climaxed during training camp when Bryant criticized O'Neal in an ESPN interview.

2004: Rejected Olympics Offer

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

2004: Trade to Miami Heat

In 2004, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Miami Heat amidst a feud with Kobe Bryant, beginning a new chapter in his NBA career.

2004: Loss to Pistons and Demand for Trade

In 2004, the Lakers lost to the Detroit Pistons in the 2004 NBA Finals. Following the series, O'Neal was angered by comments made by Lakers general manager Mitch Kupchak and the departure of coach Phil Jackson, leading him to demand a trade.

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.

June 2005: O'Neal offers to pay for George Mikan's funeral expenses

In June 2005, following the death of Hall of Fame center George Mikan, Shaquille O'Neal, acknowledging Mikan's influence, offered to cover all funeral expenses for his family.

August 2005: Signed 5-Year Extension with the Heat

In August 2005, O'Neal signed a 5-year extension with the Miami Heat for $100 million. This was viewed as a willingness to take a pay cut to secure his services for the long term.

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. Shortly after, he witnessed a hate crime and helped police track down the offenders, leading to their arrest.

2005: Erick Dampier Comparison

During the 2005 NBA playoffs, Shaquille O'Neal compared his poor play to Erick Dampier, a Dallas Mavericks center who had failed to score a single point in one of their recent games.

2005: Earned Online MBA Degree

In 2005, Shaquille O'Neal earned an online MBA degree through the University of Phoenix.

2005: Ankle Injury and Coaching Change

In the second game of the 2005–06 season, O'Neal injured his right ankle and missed 18 games. Upon O'Neal's return, coach Stan Van Gundy resigned, and Pat Riley took over as head coach.

2005: "Who?" Comment About Kobe Bryant

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

2005: League Leader in Field Goal Percentage

O'Neal finished the 2005–06 season as the league leader in field goal percentage.

January 16, 2006: Handshakes and Hugs with Kobe Bryant

On January 16, 2006, when the Lakers faced the Heat, Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant engaged in handshakes and hugs before the game, believed to signify the end of the Bryant-O'Neal feud.

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.

September 2006: Participated in Police Raid

In September 2006, Shaquille O'Neal, who had been made an "honorary deputy," took part in a raid on a home in rural Bedford County, Virginia. O'Neal was not qualified as a SWAT officer.

2006: Declined Invitation for US Roster

In 2006, O'Neal, although initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster, he eventually declined the invitation.

2006: NBA Finals Appearance

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal and Erick Dampier, who he had previously mocked, met in 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. He criticized Phil Jackson, his former coach, after a Christmas Day game against the Lakers. The Heat struggled during O'Neal's absence but improved upon his return.

2006: Fourth Championship with Miami Heat

In 2006, Shaquille O'Neal won his fourth NBA championship with the Miami Heat, adding to his impressive list of accomplishments.

2006: Jordan Farmar Draft

In 2006, the Lakers used the draft choice they obtained from the Miami Heat in the trade for O'Neal to select Jordan Farmar.

2006: NBA Playoffs and Career Milestone

In 2006, the Miami Heat were swept by the Chicago Bulls in the first round of the NBA playoffs, marking the first time in 50 years that a defending champion was swept. During the 2006 season, O'Neal reached 25,000 career points, becoming the 14th player in NBA history to achieve this milestone, but his scoring average dipped below 20 points per game for the first time.

2007: Rough Start to the Season

In 2007, O'Neal had a difficult start to the season, experiencing career lows in points, rebounds, and blocks. His offensive role diminished, and he struggled with fouls.

2007: Playing for the 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 and Playoffs with the Suns

In 2007, O'Neal played regular season games averaging 12.9 points and 10.6 rebounds for the Phoenix Suns. The Suns aimed to limit Tim Duncan but were eliminated by the Spurs in the playoffs.

2007: Shaq's Big Challenge Premieres

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

2007: Trade to Phoenix Suns

Midway through the 2007-2008 season, Shaquille O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns, marking another shift in his NBA journey.

February 2008: Altercation with Riley and Trade

In February 2008, O'Neal had an altercation with coach Pat Riley during a practice, leading to Riley's decision to trade O'Neal.

February 2008: Acquisition by the Phoenix Suns

In February 2008, O'Neal was traded to the Phoenix Suns from the Miami Heat in exchange for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

February 20, 2008: Suns Debut Against the Lakers

On February 20, 2008, O'Neal debuted with the Phoenix Suns against his former team, the Lakers, scoring 15 points.

June 2008: Deputyship Revoked

In June 2008, the Bedford County, Virginia, and Maricopa County, Arizona, sheriff departments revoked Shaquille O'Neal's special deputyship after a video surfaced of him rapping about Kobe Bryant and using racial slurs.

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 and taunting him for not winning a championship without him. The act led to controversy and potential revocation of his Maricopa County sheriff posse badge.

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

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

2008: Improved Season with the Suns

In 2008, O'Neal averaged 18 points and 9 rebounds, leading the Suns to a 23-18 record.

2008: Declined Invitation for US Roster

In 2008, O'Neal, although initially interested in being named for the 2006-2008 US preliminary roster, he eventually declined the invitation.

2008: Trade to Phoenix Suns (Continued)

Shaquille O'Neal's trade to the Phoenix Suns continued into the 2008 season.

February 27, 2009: 45-Point Game Against the 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.

March 3, 2009: Matchup Against Dwight Howard

On March 3, 2009, in a game against the Orlando Magic, O'Neal was outscored by Dwight Howard. O'Neal also commented on flopping in the NBA.

June 25, 2009: Traded to the 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.

2009: Career Lows During Season

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

2009: Missed Playoffs and All-NBA Third Team

In 2009, O'Neal missed the playoffs for the first time since his rookie season. He was named to the All-NBA Third Team, and the Suns considered trading him to cut costs.

2009: All-Star Game Co-MVP

In 2009, O'Neal returned to the All-Star Game and was named co-MVP along with Kobe Bryant.

2009: Attended 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. Additionally, he 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, teaming up with LeBron James.

February 25, 2010: Thumb Injury

On February 25, 2010, O'Neal suffered a severe right thumb injury against the Boston Celtics and required surgery.

August 4, 2010: Signed by the Boston Celtics

On August 4, 2010, the Boston Celtics announced that they had signed O'Neal to a two-year contract at the veteran minimum salary.

August 10, 2010: Introduction by the Celtics

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

December 20, 2010: Conducted Boston Pops Orchestra

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

2010: O'Neal begins dating Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander

In the summer of 2010, Shaquille O'Neal started dating reality TV star Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander.

2010: Plays for Cleveland Cavaliers

Shaquille O'Neal played for the Cleveland Cavaliers in the 2010-2011 season before playing for the Boston Celtics and eventually retiring.

June 1, 2011: Retirement Announcement via Social Media

On June 1, 2011, O'Neal announced his retirement via a short video on Twitter after 19 years of playing professional basketball.

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.

2011: O'Neal becomes a Freemason

In 2011, Shaquille O'Neal became a Freemason, joining Widow's Son Lodge No. 28 in Boston and also becoming a Prince Hall Freemason.

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 Nicole "Hoopz" Alexander ended their relationship.

2012: Received Ed.D. Degree

In 2012, Shaquille O'Neal received his Ed.D. degree in Human Resource Development from Barry University. His doctoral capstone topic was "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 Philip Arthur Harrison

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

2013: Death of Stepfather

In 2013, Phillip Arthur Harrison, Shaquille O'Neal's stepfather, passed away. This event led to a reconciliation with his biological father.

2013: Minority Owner of Sacramento Kings

In 2013, Shaquille O'Neal became a minority owner of the Sacramento Kings, marking his involvement in team ownership.

2013: O'Neal endorses Chris Christie

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

January 11, 2014: O'Neal participates in New Jersey Devils game

On January 11, 2014, Shaquille O'Neal performed the ceremonial first puck 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, honoring his achievements and contributions to the school's basketball program.

2014: O'Neal begins dating Laticia Rolle

In early 2014, Shaquille O'Neal began dating Laticia Rolle, a model from Massachusetts.

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.

2015: Shareef's High School Basketball Highlights

In 2015, Shareef O'Neal was highlighted as a 6-foot-7-inch freshman power forward with a different playing style than his father, known for his athleticism and shooting range.

February 26, 2016: Heat to Retire Jersey

On February 26, 2016, the Miami Heat announced they would retire Shaquille O'Neal's No. 32 jersey during the 2016-17 season.

March 2016: Meeting with Biological Father

In March 2016, Shaquille O'Neal met with his biological father, Joe Toney, for the first time in decades, expressing forgiveness and understanding.

December 2016: Sworn in as Sheriff's Deputy

In December 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was sworn in as a sheriff's deputy in Jonesboro, Georgia, as part of Clayton County, Georgia Sheriff's Department.

December 22, 2016: 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 the television show Lip Sync Battle.

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2016: O'Neal purchases a compound in McDonough, Georgia

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal purchased a 14.3-acre, two-house compound in McDonough, Georgia for $1.15 million.

2016: Inducted into Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame

In 2016, Shaquille O'Neal was elected into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport's greats.

July 2017: Diss Track Aimed at LaVar Ball

In July 2017, Shaquille O'Neal released a diss track aimed at LaVar Ball, father of NBA point guard Lonzo Ball. The song was in response to Ball claiming that he and his younger son LaMelo, would beat O'Neal and his son Shareef in a basketball game.

2017: Elected to FIBA Hall of Fame

In 2017, Shaquille O'Neal was elected to the FIBA Hall of Fame, further recognizing his international contributions to basketball.

March 2018: Split with Laticia Rolle

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

2020: O'Neal participates in virtual rally and votes for the first time

In 2020, Shaquille O'Neal participated in a virtual rally for then-presidential candidate Joe Biden and voted for the first time during the 2020 presidential election.

October 2021: Named to NBA 75th Anniversary Team

In October 2021, Shaquille O'Neal was again honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time by being named to the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

October 23, 2021: DJ Diesel at Electric Daisy Carnival

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

2021: Admiration for Patrick Ewing

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

July 4, 2022: DJ Diesel at Jersey City 4th of July Festival

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

2022: Departure from Sacramento Kings Ownership

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

2022: Ranked 8th Greatest Player

In 2022, Shaquille O'Neal was ranked as the 8th greatest player in NBA history by The Athletic, in commemoration of the NBA's 75th Anniversary.

June 7, 2023: First Single as DJ Diesel Released

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

July 2023: O'Neal purchases a private jet

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

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: Giannis Antetokounmpo Scored 64 points

On December 13, 2023, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Indiana Pacers, after O'Neal's 61-point game that was the last game in NBA history that a player scored 60 or more points without hitting a 3-pointer.

February 13, 2024: Magic Retires Jersey

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