Shaq’s departure from the Orlando Magic concluded in a tumultuous manner. The Orlando Sentinel conducted a notorious poll. They questioned fans whether Shaquille O’Neal was deserving of a $115 million contract. 92% of respondents answered negatively. The Magic declined to meet his demands, leading to the eventual acquisition of the free agent by the LA Lakers. This incident was among several factors that motivated O’Neal to respond. He did it almost five years later, in his book “Shaq Talks Back.” In the book, he discussed the lack of privacy he experienced after making the move. He asserted that even if he were seen socializing with Leonardo DiCaprio at a cigar bar, the media wouldn’t raise an eyebrow.
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Shaq was unable to let go of how he was treated by the Orlando media and the city. It was evident that he was deeply hurt. This appears to be the underlying reason why he revisited the topic years later. His discontent with the media extended to the lack of privacy he was afforded. The revered Lakers figure was consistently portrayed as a “bad role model.” He anticipated that Los Angeles would offer a different experience in that regard.
Shaquille O’Neal was unhappy with Orlando media leading up to his LA Lakers move
O’Neal achieved the majority of his championship victories, three out of four, while playing for the Lakers alongside Kobe Bryant. However, his decision to move to Los Angeles yielded more than just on-court success and improved terms.
In Shaq Talks Back, O’Neal disclosed the stark contrast between the media environments in LA and Orlando. The basketball icon expressed that he received an excessive amount of attention in Orlando. To the point where he couldn’t even drive around the city without someone divulging information about his whereabouts.
In contrast, in Los Angeles, people were more inclined to mind their own business and were accustomed to being around celebrities. O’Neal elaborated that even if he were seen socializing with Hollywood actors, no one would pay much attention or be surprised.
“At the end, in Orlando, I couldn’t even ride around in this city without people passing on information about my life. Meanwhile, in L.A., I could just blend in. I could be in a cigar bar with Leonardo DiCaprio. I don’t smoke cigars or smoke anything, but I could be sitting there acting like I’m smoking a cigar, pretend like I’m this big, cool cat, just chilling with a stogie. Now, in Orlando, it would have been, ‘Oooh, he was in a bar smoking—that’s why he was tired in the fourth quarter. His lungs are probably black. But in L.A., you won’t even hear nothing about it.”
Of course, the move worked out for Shaq in all possible ways. He went on to form one of the most fearsome duos in NBA history alongside Kobe.
Shaq had several reasons to move to LA Lakers
Naturally, Shaquille O’Neal’s desire for privacy was not his sole motivation. Shaq yearned to be the centerpiece of his team, a role that he had been informed was unattainable with the Orlando Magic because of Penny Hardaway’s presence.
Additionally, the Magic declined to meet his demand of $115 million, whereas the Lakers extended a lucrative offer of $121 million over a span of seven years.
Shaq not only ascended to the status of a prominent superstar, earning three Finals MVP awards in the process, but he also experienced personal growth under the guidance of Phil Jackson. There is little uncertainty that Shaq emerged victorious and can be excused for believing he made the correct choice.
