Shaquille O'Neal

Name at birth: Shaquille Rashaun O'Neal

At 7'1" and more than 300 pounds, Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most dominant centers in the history of pro basketball. He started his NBA career in Orlando, but in 1996 moved to Los Angeles for a $120 million contract and the chance to enhance his acting and rap music careers. With the help of guard Kobe Bryant and coach Phil Jackson, O'Neal won the NBA championship three consecutive years with the Lakers, from 2000-2002. After eight seasons in Los Angeles, he was traded to the Miami Heat in 2004. With young guard Dwyane "Flash" Wade, O'Neal led the Heat to a national championship in 2006. After an injury-plagued and rocky 2007, O'Neal recovered and was traded to the Phoenix Suns in 2008. After a disappointing season for the Suns he was traded to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2009, to play alongside LeBron James. A multi-media celebrity, his rap albums have included Shaq Diesel (1993) and You Can't Stop the Reign (1998). In films he has played a rapping genie in Kazaam (1996) and a supersized crimefighter in Steel (1997). On television he debuted in his own "reality" show in 2007, helping children get physically fit in Shaq's Big Challenge.