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Los Angeles Lakers: Shaquille O’Neal’s Top 5 Finals Performances

By James D. Tillman III

AUBURN HILLS, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers challenges long-time basketball fan James Goldstein during questions prior to practicing for game five of the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons 14 June 2004 at The Palace in Auburn Hills, MI. O'Neal said he would cut Goldstein's hair if the Lakers win the best-of-seven series which the Pistons lead 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images)
AUBURN HILLS, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O'Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers challenges long-time basketball fan James Goldstein during questions prior to practicing for game five of the NBA Finals against the Detroit Pistons 14 June 2004 at The Palace in Auburn Hills, MI. O'Neal said he would cut Goldstein's hair if the Lakers win the best-of-seven series which the Pistons lead 3-1. AFP PHOTO/Jeff HAYNES (Photo credit should read JEFF HAYNES/AFP/Getty Images) /
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Newly inducted Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal provided a number of memorable playoff moments during eight-year run with the Los Angeles Lakers. Here is a look back at a few of them.

HOUSTON, UNITED STATES: Houston Rockets Hakeem Olajuwan (C) and Shandon Anderson (R) try to defend against the Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal (L) in the first quarter of Thursday’s game in Houston, Texas, at the Compaq Center 21 December, 2000. AFP PHOTOJames NIELSEN (Photo credit should read JAMES NIELSEN/AFP/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, UNITED STATES: Houston Rockets Hakeem Olajuwan (C) and Shandon Anderson (R) try to defend against the Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O’Neal (L) in the first quarter of Thursday’s game in Houston, Texas, at the Compaq Center 21 December, 2000. AFP PHOTOJames NIELSEN (Photo credit should read JAMES NIELSEN/AFP/Getty Images) /

The Los Angeles Lakers acquired Shaquille O’Neal prior to the start of the 1996-97 campaign. Although it would take a few seasons before the Lakers would return to the NBA mountaintop, O’Neal was one of the catalysts that helped lead them to a trio of titles in the early 2000s.

During his eight-year run in Hollywood, Shaq’s averages included 27.0 points, 11.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per outing on an efficient 58 percent shooting from the field.

Additionally, Shaq was named to the All-NBA First Team six times (1997-98, 1999-00, 2000-01, 2001-02, 2002-03, 2003-04); All-Defensive Second Team three times (1999-00, 2000-01, 2002-03) and he was the Finals MVP of each of those championship series.

As one can imagine, O’Neal provided Lakers fans with a plethora of memorable playoff moments during their three-year reign as champions.

Related Story: 25 Best Players to Play for the Los Angeles Lakers

So to commemorate O’Neal’s recent induction into the Hall of Fame, here is a look back at some of his most memorable Finals performances while he was a member of the purple and gold.

Please note: the games on the following list are ranked based on game score, which is a formula that is used to measure a player’s productivity from a specific game.

Next: No. 5

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