Los Angeles Lakers: Best players in team history who started elsewhere

4. Shaquille O’Neal

For the most part, Shaquille O’Neal is remembered for his dominant run with the Lakers and subsequent ring chasing with a slew of other teams. However, people seem to forget that not only did he start with a different team, but actually spent a few years elsewhere before coming to Los Angeles.

O’Neal was drafted with the No. 1 overall pick by the Orlando Magic in 1992, and played in Florida for four years before making the move west. Joining the Lakers via free agency, he immediately teamed up with Bryant to form one of the most dynamic duos the NBA has ever seen.

His legacy with the Lakers was one for the record books. Shaq was one of the NBA’s most efficient and unstoppable scoring threats during his heyday, using his massive frame and accompanying strength to cut through the defense like a knife through warm butter. Opposing defenses simply had no way of counteracting his power, resulting in him twice leading the league in scoring and routinely finishing the season with the NBA’s best field goal percentage.

On top of several All-Star and All-NBA selections during his time with the Lakers, he also won an NBA MVP award and three championships. Although he could never figure out how to consistently shoot free throws, he will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest big men in league history.

Unfortunately, his time in Hollywood came to an ugly end. Tensions between O’Neal and Bryant led to the mountainous center being traded to the Miami Heat. He won one more title in South Beach before bouncing around the league for a few years, eventually retiring in 2011.

Shaq didn’t start or end his career with the Lakers. His biggest impact, however, undoubtedly came when he was wearing purple and gold.