NBA: Lakers retire Shaq's jersey number 34

The Los Angeles Lakers retired Shaquille O'Neal's #34 jersey during halftime of their game against the Dallas Mavericks, Tuesday (Wednesday, PHL time).

O'Neal spent eight seasons with the Lakers, winning three straight NBA titles from 2000-2002 as the Finals MVP, and accumulating 13,895 points, 6,090 rebounds and 1,278 blocks.

His is the ninth jersey to be retired by the team, along with other legends like Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Magic Johnson, among others.

Kobe on the video board before Shaq's jersey is retired: "You have officially been immortalized. You deserve it." twitter.com/Lakers/status/…

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 3, 2013

Phil Jackson to @shaq: "I want to thank you for your dedication, leadership & the hard work you put in." #SHAQ34

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 3, 2013

.@jeaniebuss to @shaq: From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for your talent, your sense of humor & most of all, the winning." #SHAQ34

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 3, 2013

#SHAQ34 RT @lakersreporter: Shaq thanked Jerry West for bringing him here in 1996. West responsible for so much LAL success.

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 3, 2013

Shaq stands with fellow Lakers legends Jerry West, James Worthy, Elgin Baylor, Phil Jackson & Jamaal Wilkes. #SHAQ34 twitter.com/Lakers/status/…

— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 3, 2013

The ceremony saw messages from Kobe Bryant, former head coach Phil Jackson, and Lakers governor Jeanie Buss, before Shaq was presented with a framed replica of his jersey.



O'Neal posted a video on his YouTube page, just after the ceremony, thanking the many people who helped him reach iconic status as one of the best centers to play in the league. - AMD, GMA News