“I Saw the Stars in L.A.”: When Eddie Murphy’s Leather Suit Influenced Shaquille O’Neal’s Obsession With Lakers Home City

Shaquille O’Neal has a weirdly impressive personality. He is way too charming and funny. Perhaps the confidence that comes with the knowledge that you are the strongest man in the world really elevates your personality. The 7ft 1″ superstar has built a legacy that had brought him praise from all walks of life. Surprisingly, his need to become a star actually started with a comedian’s swagger. While shooting for Kazaam in L.A., Shaq saw Eddie Murphy entering a restaurant dressed in an all-leather suit. That is when O’Neal decided he wanted to be a star.

Today, Shaq is, without a doubt, one of the most popular personalities in the world. Shaq’s popularity is comparable to some of the biggest celebrities on the planet.

The way he marketed himself and developed his brand is truly commendable. But it is also not surprising that he gravitated toward it while he was shooting for a film in Los Angeles.

Shaquille O’Neal wanted to be a star after spotting Eddie Murphy in L.A.

In the book Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty, author Jeff Pearlman wrote of the time O’Neal was shooting for the film Kazaam in 1996.

Pearlman detailed how O’Neal loved being in L.A. He loved the red carpets, the stardom, the whole nine yards. Once, he even saw Eddie Murphy. The sighting left a deep impact on O’Neal.

Shaq claimed that he once saw Eddie Murphy enter a restaurant dressed in all leather. After seeing the comedian and a lot of other stars in Los Angeles, Shaq wanted to be a star too.

Jeff Pearlman wrote in his book: “He dug walking the red carpet at the movie’s Hollywood premiere. Seeing himself on billboards was a little boy’s biggest dream bursting to life. “It was great—all of it,” O’Neal recalled years later. “I loved Los Angeles. I actually lived there when I first left college. During the off-season, L.A. was the place to be for marketing, for commercials. And you’d see everybody. I saw Eddie Murphy walk into a restaurant in all leather. All fucking leather. Being in Los Angeles taught you how to be a superstar. I saw the stars in L.A. and thought, This is what I want!”

Shaq eventually ended up living in LA

In 1996, during the off season, Shaq had the oppoertunity to act in a film named Kazaam. Though the movie would end up a huge loss, Shaq still found it to be fruitful.

He moved to the city the same year after he signed with the LA Lakers. While playing for the gold and purple, he gained success and popularity beyond comprehension. In all fairness, a star is not made in a city but on the court.

Your performance speaks for itself. However, location definitely helps with marketing. Shaq was leagues ahead with his own marketing. He understood, by just being in LA, how he could alter his public perception. Guess that deal not working out with Orlando Magic worked out in O’Neal’s favor.