“Big Fella! Love!”: LeBron James Gives Shaquille O’Neal’s Emotional Orlando Night a Warm Embrace

The Orlando Magic lost to the Oklahoma City Thunder tonight. They were outmatched completely. But even then, the arena came alive. It was to celebrate their first superstar – Shaquille O’Neal. The Big Diesel had his moment. His jersey, #32, rested in the rafters, the first in Magic’s history. He also joined another elite list of NBA royalty. His former teammate, LeBron James took time to congratulate the Hall of Famer on his special achievement.

Shaq meant a lot to the city of Orlando. He was their first-ever number-one overall pick. Before him, the Magic were bottom feeders of the league. Once the four-time champion came, it all changed. A generational prospect at his time, Shaq’s dominance reigned in Orlando for four seasons.

With the way their story ended, Shaq never envisioned a day he would have his jersey forever immortalized in the Kia Center. Let alone be the first.

LeBron James celebrates Shaquille O’Neal on his historic night

The Kia Center became an attraction after an entire NBA game was played. The lights dimmed and the focus went to Shaquille O’Neal. The day was always named after him. The son of Orlando, the city’s very first basketball icon was getting his jersey retired. He sat on the throne that made even him look small.

As he approached the podium, Shaq wore the Orlando Magic stripes for one last time. A jacket draped around him and a jersey ready to fly high into the rafters. Even though he only donned the jersey for four seasons, Shaq has always had a special bond with Orlando. After retirement he primarily lives in the city. No matter what, he never forgets his roots, the organization that gave him a platform to launch into basketball greatness.

“You know, there’s an old saying: Never forget where you come from. And my professional career started here. I’ve been living here mostly all my life. The fans have been hospitable. The people have been very, very hospitable. I never thought this day would happen,” the HOF center said during his jersey retirement speech.

A number of his former teammates showed up to commemorate the moment. Shaquille O’Neal was the first man in Magic history to have his jersey retired. Moreover, he also became the fourth man in the league’s colorful history to have his jersey retired by three organizations. He joins Bill Russell, Pete Maravich, and Wilt Chamberlain on the exclusive list.

LeBron James, a man who shared the floor with Shaq during his stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers late in his career dedicated an Instagram story to celebrate his achievement. “Congrats Big Fella! Love!” he wrote. Attached was a graphic of Shaq’s legacy. A version of him in each of the franchises who had retired his jersey.

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A man of his stature and the transcending impact he brought to the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal is more than deserving of this honor. Despite an ugly split with the Magic, the past is behind them. Memories will only replay his rim-breaking dunks and charismatic personality. The silhouette of a 7-foot giant will always be present in the Orlando Magic building.

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