In the annals of Los Angeles Lakers history, the early 2000s stand out as a golden era marked by sheer dominance. The dynamic duo of Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant spearheaded the Lakers to three NBA championships and four NBA finals appearances. To this day, they remain the last team to achieve a three-peat, an accomplishment that still dazzles basketball enthusiasts.
Key Takeaways:
- Shaquille O’Neal’s partnership with Kobe Bryant led the Lakers to three NBA titles and four NBA finals.
- The Lakers are the last team to secure a three-peat, a remarkable feat in the franchise’s history.
- O’Neal, despite his reported weight during the 2002 season, proved to be an unstoppable force in the NBA.
However, recently, O’Neal dropped a bombshell revelation about his physical condition during the Lakers’ triumphant 2002 title run. While his official NBA profile listed his weight at 325 pounds, O’Neal confessed that he had ballooned to a staggering 415 pounds during that remarkable season.
Even at this excessive weight, O’Neal continued to dominate the opposition in a way that only a few in NBA history could match. His extraordinary blend of size and agility made him an immovable force on the court, and this new revelation only adds to the legend of Shaquille O’Neal.
“Phil Jackson came in. the first championship I was 345 and then had a great summer, came back 385. For the second one, last championship I was 415. Yeah, and when I got traded away Pat Riley had me doing army drills and I got back down to 325. It was up and down.”
Per Shaquille O’Neal via SirusXM
Kobe Bryant, O’Neal’s teammate and fellow Lakers legend, was known to have constantly pushed him about his weight during their time together in Los Angeles. Now, with O’Neal’s candid admission, we gain a deeper understanding of the challenges he faced. Despite these hurdles, O’Neal remained resolute, stepping onto the court and fulfilling his duties with an unwavering determination that epitomizes his greatness.
In retrospect, Shaquille O’Neal’s revelation about his weight during the Lakers’ 2002 championship run serves as a testament to his unparalleled dominance and determination. It highlights the extraordinary dedication and skill that propelled the Lakers to their last three-peat, cementing their legacy as one of the most iconic teams in NBA history.
Are you following us on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube or LA Sports Report yet? Join the conversation as we discuss the latest Lakers news and rumors with fans like you!
