10 Greatest Players in Los Angeles Lakers Franchise History

#4 Shaquille O'Neal

Shaquille O'Neal

The Diesel was an unstoppable force during his 8 years with the Lakers. Shaq's unique combination of power and nimble feet made him impossible to defend for anyone and he used it to deadly effect.

Shaq arrived in LA in 1996, with the Lakers having failed to get out of the 2nd round since the Showtime era. Despite his presence, however, the team failed to get past resident powers in the West in the form of the Jazz and Spurs, but things were about to change in 1999, as Phil Jackson took over coaching duties and a young Kobe Bryant began showing some of his true potential.

Armed with the best supporting cast of his career, Shaq and the Lakers had their best season since Showtime. He would win his only MVP, averaging 29.7 points, 13.6 rebounds, and 3 blocks as the team won 67 games and won the title for the first time in over a decade. They'd win the next two championships as well and O'Neal was the Finals MVP in all 3 of them.

It was around this time, however, that his relationship with Bryant went sour. They failed to win the title in the next two years and by the end of the 2003-04 season, O'Neal was clearly in decline, averaging a then career-low 21 points a game.

He would be traded away that offseason due to differences with ownership, thereby ending a very successful partnership on a very sour note. O'Neal ranks 2nd in franchise history in points, rebounds, and blocks per game.