Los Angeles Lakers: 4 names to replace Magic Johnson as ambassador
By Amaar Burton
2. Shaquille O’Neal
Shaquille O’Neal is everywhere.
It seems like you cannot watch TV for an hour without seeing the retired Hall of Fame center on a commercial for something — whether it’s car insurance or foot powder or his own line of jewelry. He has an analyst role with TNT for their Inside The NBA coverage, he’s had several movie and TV cameos, he’s actually been the star of a few movies and shows, and he regularly pops up on the news doing random good deeds around the country.
Although Shaq played for six teams during his NBA career, he is most closely associated with the Lakers, where he won three championships, three Finals MVPs, a league MVP and a scoring title.
Even though he hasn’t played in a game since 2011, Shaq appears to be more popular than ever.
The Lakers would need him more than he’d need the Lakers. He is a larger-than-life figure who is right on par with Magic Johnson as a basketball legend/businessman/celebrity.