Los Angeles Lakers: 5 all-time greatest players not named Kobe Bryant

Shaquille O’Neal

Career stats with Lakers:  27 PPG, 11.8 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.5 BPG, 0.6 SPG, 57.5 FG%

Shaquille O’Neal is often remembered as Kobe’s partner in crime during the Lakers’ three-peat from 1999-02. However, it doesn’t do his talents and impact justice to simply lump him in as the No. 2 to Bryant during their glory days together.

In fact, some might even try to make the case that Kobe was the No. 2 to Shaq. Between his MVP award in 2000 and three straight Finals MVPs, it’s easy to imagine O’Neal as the driving force behind the Lakers’ success at the turn of the millennium. Whatever way you choose to see it is really up to you.

Either way, Shaq was a man among boys during his days in Los Angeles. With ridiculous size and strength even for the center position, he manhandled opponents and owned the paint in ways rarely seen prior to his time in the league. His post-up game and rim protection were feared across the NBA no matter who you asked.

Many fans will remember that his time in Los Angeles came to a bitter end. After years of rumored squabbles between O’Neal and Bryant, the Lakers shipped the big man off to the Miami Heat for a bundle of players and a draft pick. It was a disappointing way for his time with the franchise to come to a close. It didn’t, however, tarnish his legacy.

There have been plenty of superior big man to wear the purple and gold through the years. None were more unstoppable in the paint than O’Neal. If only he had been better at shooting free throws….