Shaquille O’Neal and Phil Jackson shared a surprisingly special bond while on the Los Angeles Lakers together. Several factors contributed to their strong connection. One key aspect was Phil Jackson’s ability to understand and handle Shaq’s unique personality. Shaq had a larger-than-life persona and a strong presence in the locker room. While some coaches may have attempted to rein in Shaq’s exuberance, Phil Jackson took a different approach by embracing Shaq’s personality and allowing him to be himself. This created a positive atmosphere between the two.
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Additionally, Shaq was drawn to Phil Jackson’s coaching style. Jackson had just won six championships with the Chicago Bulls, including two three-peats with Michael Jordan as the centerpiece. Shaq recognized Jackson’s history of success, respected his basketball knowledge, and appreciated his coaching philosophy.
Another crucial factor was Jackson’s understanding of Shaq’s physical needs and his commitment to taking care of his star player. Shaq often faced physical challenges, such as opponents resorting to “Hack-a-Shaq” strategies to intentionally foul him and send him to the free-throw line. Jackson recognized the toll this took on Shaq’s body and made efforts to ensure his recovery and well-being.
This included arranging post-game massages and having Shaq ride the stationary bike to aid in his recuperation. The extra care and consideration shown by Phil Jackson created a sense of trust and loyalty in Shaq. He appreciated the coach’s efforts to support him both on and off the court, which motivated him to give his all for Jackson as a player.
Shaq loved Jackson’s Therapeutic approach toward him
Big men in the league are often treated as enforcers. They guard the paint and crash the boards. Shaq was especially good at doing this. But with such dominance also came a heavy dose of daily beatings which the big man had to endure. But this very situation is what bought Shaq and Phil closer.
Talking about the incident in his book Shaq Uncut, the Lakers legend had this to say about his former coach “Phil treated us like grown men. He never tried to control us. If I gave him a 29-point, 20-rebound night, the next day he would tell me to go find Danny. That was our team masseuse. Danny and I are still close friends to this date. Phil knew the beating I took on a daily basis. So I would get my massage, after which Phil would put me on the bike for 30 mins and then send me home. This is what made me love this dude”.
Shaq talking about his thought process said that “I loved the way Phil treated me and I wanted to give him my all and win so that he knows that this arrangement was working”. The arrangement was definitely working all right as Shaq won NBA MVP under Phil. Eventually, both Phil and O’Neal would leave the Lakers organization as Kobe Bryant grew into his shoes and wanted to run the team according to his terms.
The Jackson Laws that won Shaq his rings
To say that the relationship between Shaq and Phil was straightforward would not be true. But Phil believed deeply in Shaq and wanted to keep the big man over Kobe Bryant. Shaq had recruited Jackson to the Lakers and was ready to compromise to win.
Jackson told O’Neal that there would be laws that he needed to follow if he wanted to win. These limitations included ” no partying, no acting, no commercial, and no rapping”. Shaq respected these rules, and the rest is history. The Shaq- Kobe Lakers would go on to three-peat under Phil as the Lakers once again found their long-lost glory.
