OTD 1996: Shaq Signed Record Deal With Lakers

Shaquille O’Neal was one of the great NBA big men of the 90’s along with Hakeem Olajuwon, David Robinson, and Patrick Ewing. Shaq was also the youngest, yet had incredible success. He took the Orlando Magic to the NBA Finals in 1995, while delivering the great Michael Jordan his last ever playoff elimination. In 1996, Shaq decided it was time for a change of scenery and a large increase to the bank account was in store.

July 18, 1996: Free Agent C Shaquille O’Neal signed the largest contract in NBA history with the Los Angeles #Lakers on a 7y/$120M deal where he won the 2000 NBA MVP award and 3 straight NBA Finals MVPs from 2000-02
https://t.co/El7CTEZu8z
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 18, 2021

INTERESTING FACTS

Shaquille O’Neal signed the largest contract in NBA history with the Los Angeles Lakers on a 7y/$120M deal on July 18, 1996
The Shaq-Kobe era ended after the 2004 NBA Finals by trading HOF C Shaquille O’Neal to the Heat
O’Neal’s Finals-record 145 total PTS over a 4-game series led Lakers sweep of Nets to win their 3rd straight Championship

MAIN SIGNIFICANCE

SHAQ SIGNED THE LARGEST NBA CONTRACT EVER WITH LAKERS

On this day in 1996, Shaquille O’Neal inked a record-breaking 7y/$120M contract to begin the second chapter of his legendary career. He was extremely productive in the purple and gold, averaging 27 PPG, 11 RPG, and 2.5 BPG over eight seasons. The Lake Show won three straight NBA titles to open the 21st century (2000-02), proving Shaq could live up to the lofty expectations set for him upon entering the league in 1992 while he claimed three NBA Finals MVPs over Kobe Bryant and a league MVP in 1999-00.

BEST HIGHLIGHTS

Shaq signed with the Lakers

July 18, 1996: Free Agent C Shaquille O’Neal signed the largest contract in NBA history with the Los Angeles #Lakers on a 7y/$120M deal where he won the 2000 NBA MVP award and 3 straight NBA Finals MVPs from 2000-02
https://t.co/El7CTEZu8z
— Pro Sports Outlook (@PSO_Sports) July 18, 2021