The early 2000s in the NBA were dominated by the Los Angeles Lakers, driven by the talents of Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant. Leading them was Phil Jackson, a six-time NBA champion known for his expertise in managing high-profile players with significant egos.
Jackson, often referred to as the “Zen Master,” skillfully navigated the complex relationship between Kobe, the ambitious young player eager to lead, and Shaq, the towering center who was an unparalleled force on the court. The pressure on Kobe was immense, as he aspired to emulate Michael Jordan’s success but faced challenges with Shaq’s dominance, a physical presence that was rarely matched in the league.
Despite criticisms about his weight, Shaquille O’Neal honed his skills on both ends of the court, drawing comparisons to legends like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. While he consistently performed well, it was during his time with the Lakers that he truly flourished, most notably in the 2002 Finals against the New Jersey Nets, where he had a poignant message for the press.
“The truth is, I was created by you guys,” O’Neal stated. “When I was younger, having fun and pursuing various projects, you criticized me. I’d hear I was a great player but lacked a championship or couldn’t shoot free throws. After enduring that criticism, I learned to channel it positively. This is what you helped create, and I’m grateful for it.”
Shaquille O’Neal’s Unmatched Dominance
O’Neal’s remarks came before Game 4, which the Lakers would go on to win, completing a 4-0 sweep that marked the first NBA Finals sweep since 1995. During this time, some criticisms of Shaq began to emerge, particularly after Hakeem Olajuwon had exposed some of his weaknesses.
The narrative painted by the media often depicted Shaq as a playful giant who lacked a championship mindset, yet under Jackson’s guidance, he transformed into the league’s face post-MJ, achieving a three-peat and earning three consecutive Finals MVPs. In that stretch, he averaged an astonishing 35.9 points, 15.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 2.9 blocks while shooting 59.5% from the field.
O’Neal as the Complete Player
Few players in NBA history have won as dominate a fashion as O’Neal, who effectively controlled both ends of the game, prompting some opponents to feel defeated before stepping onto the court. Synergy tracking data reveal that during his three Finals runs, no player faced as much double-teaming as Shaq, leading to numerous open shots for his teammates.
O’Neal’s ability to command attention from opposing defenses and coaches allowed Jackson to implement his strategies seamlessly. It’s intriguing to consider what O’Neal’s numbers might have looked like had opponents opted against the Hack-a-Shaq or double-teams during those seasons. Ultimately, Shaq was a force like no other, and as he himself acknowledged, the media played a significant role in shaping his legacy.
