Unfulfilled by $20,678,530 Paycheck, Shaquille O’Neal Attacked Lakers GM For Undermining His Worth Before 2004 Finals: “I Won’t Be Devalued”

Shaquille O’Neal had a proven history of issues with general managers and owners of his teams. He left Orlando Magic for Los Angeles Lakers because of disagreements regarding his contract value. Then, Lakers GM Jerry West in 1996 offered Shaq a whopping $121 million contract for seven years. Although Shaq went on to earn $20,678,530 annually at the Lakers, he still seemed quite unhappy. In the book Three-Ring Circus by Jeff Pearlman, Shaq was highlighted, giving the Lakers a similar situation as that of the Magic back in 1996. The Lakers had come to the former Magic center’s rescue when Orlando refused on his terms. However, right before the 2004 NBA Finals, Shaq started threatening GM Mitch Kupchak and was trying to force a trade on the grounds of being ‘undervalued’ by the team.

Back in 1996, when Orlando refused, the Lakers had agreed to give O’Neal the desired amount of money. However, at a crucial juncture, Diesel was subjecting the Lakers to a similar treatment.

Shaquille O’Neal had a similar contract situation with the Los Angeles Lakers as with Orlando Magic

Shaquille O’Neal is a player who is always vocal about everything around him. Regarding money, Shaq is very particular about not being undervalued by the team. He got into a similar situation as Magic with the Lakers just before the 2004 NBA Finals.

Shaq had just helped the Lakers win a three-peat, averaging 40 points per game and becoming the Finals MVP. However, his reason for throwing tantrums about his contracts was the fear of being undervalued. Shaq, back in 1995, helped the Orlando Magic reach the NBA Finals. However, they were beaten by the Houston Rockets, who were in phenomenal form then. Interestingly, this was the first Finals appearance for the Magic since their establishment in the League in 1989.

Jeff Pearlman noted Shaq’s contract woes in his book Three-Rings and wrote:

“Earlier in the week, O’Neal had once again griped about money, insisting he needed a fat extension. ‘I won’t be devalued,’ said a man making (on
average) $20,678,530 per year to throw a round object through a round metal rim. ‘Never, ever devalued. I will never take less than what I am worth.’ Hethen took a knife to Mitch Kupchak, adding, ‘I’ve been the general manager of this team for the last two years. So I don’t wanna hear about blah-blah-blah, blah-blah-blah. Because I’m the one bringing them in. I’m the one making the phone calls. Everybody wants to play with the Diesel.’ ” 

The 2004 NBA Finals was a disaster for the Lakers.  Instead of playing as a team, the players, especially Shaq and Kobe Bryant played individually. Although the Lakers were the favorites to win their fourth consecutive championship, the underdogs Detroit Pistons emerged as the NBA Champions 2004.

Shaq and Kobe’s internal rift led to the Lakers’ ultimate downfall in the 2004 NBA Finals

The 2004 NBA Finals might perhaps be one of the most unforgettable moments for Lakers fans. Although the Lakers were touted as the potential champions, the underdogs Detroit Pistons swept the series in a 4-1 victory.

It would be fair to say that Kobe and Shaq’s ego clashes and individualism was the reason behind the Lakers’ loss. Shaq was going through a rough patch with Kobe and was also unhappy with his contract at the Lakers. Furthermore, even Kobe was trying to push for a trade with Chicago Bulls following his feud with Shaq.

Kobe’s influence was perhaps paramount, given the contract situation with the GM. A deteriorating relationship with Kobe had ruined things further. Shaq was traded to Miami Heat right after the 2004 Finals.