NBA Legend Shaquille O’Neal’s “Career Took Off” After Phil Jackson’s Stern Words Regarding Lavish LA Lifestyle

Shaquille O’Neal faced his fair share of reality checks during his distinguished NBA career. While the four-time NBA champion was the most dominating player on the floor on most days, he had a tendency to get involved in unnecessary situations. He needed a stern warning from his then Los Angeles Lakers head coach, Phil Jackson, which changed his career.

Los Angeles is known for its glamor and O’Neal embraced it. He once told a story about how crazy a night out with former teammate Dennis Rodman was. There were celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and Robert Downey Jr present. However, all of that came to a stop when legendary coach Phil Jackson joined the Lakers.

Shaquille O’Neal revealed on his podcast that after signing with the Lakers he was engrossed in the glamor of the city. He said, “L.A. All the money is on the side, movies, music, I was gonna do all that“. Jerry ‘The Logo’ West had warned O’Neal whether he wanted to be in the entertainment business or be one of the greatest Lakers ever.

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However, he pursued that kind of lifestyle for his first four years in LA. Then the Los Angeles Lakers hired Phil Jackson as the head coach before the start of the 1999-2000 season. “When Phil came in, he told me to cut it out“, O’Neal reminisced. He continued, “That’s when my career really took off and we got those three in a row.”

Shaquille O’Neal led the Lakers to three straight championships

Shaq established himself as the best player in the league under Jackson. In a span of three years, O’Neal won three championships, three Finals MVPs, and one NBA MVP. The level of dominance displayed by the big man during that span is unparalleled. He was supported extremely well by a young Kobe Bryant.

However, things eventually turned sour between O’Neal and Bryant. Shaq was subsequently traded to the Miami Heat as the Lakers saw more value in keeping Bryant. However, O’Neal had already staked a claim to be one of the greatest players of all time.

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What if Jackson had not arrived in 1999? Would Shaq still be as successful as he is today? Some may say that it was just meant to be.

What are your thoughts on Shaquille O’Neal’s comments about the LA lifestyle? Let us know in the comments below.