The Los Angeles Lakers have had many clashes throughout their 16 championship runs, creating for some of the NBA’s historic matchups and rivalries. Lakers legends such as Magic Johnson, Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant have led their teams to improbable comebacks and dominant stretches of play.
O’Neal, a larger than life figure, was often referred to as a serious player on the court, but a teddy bear off it. The 15-time All-Star has a way with words following his retirement, a comedic relief involved in many hilarious antics, sponsorships and appearances.
When highly respected NBA referee Danny Crawford announced his retirement earlier this week, he provided O’Neal with some post-traumatic events.