O'Neal, Shaquille

O'Neal, Shaquille (Shaquille Roshaun O'Neal) (shukēl' rushôn' ōnēl') [key], 1972–, American basketball player, b. Newark, N.J. Joining the Orlando Magic of the National Basketball Association (NBA) in 1992, he was the 1993 NBA rookie of the year. Huge (7 ft 1 in., 300 lb/213 cm, 135 kg) and intimidating on the court but personable off, “Shaq” quickly demonstrated charisma and immense commercial appeal. In 1996 he moved to the Los Angeles Lakers, with whom he won the NBA's most valuable player award in 2000, and in 2004 he was traded to the Miami Heat. He has also appeared in films and has made rap music recordings.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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