Lakers get the win, Shaq gets a statue
Everyone came out to help Shaq celebrate his statue outside of Staples Center, including the Los Angeles Lakers who beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 119-130 in overtime.
Outside of Staples Center in sunny Los Angeles, CA, a handful of LA sports icons have been immortalized with massive bronze statues. These legends include the great Jerry West, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Magic Johnson, who were all in attendance to see the most recent legend to be forever standing alongside them, Shaquille O’Neal. But this statue, honoring arguably the most dominant center in the history or the game, won’t be “standing” at all.
The Diesel’s statue is suspended from the building, hanging over the people who will come to see it for years to come. It is the image that fans have burned into their memories from the glory years. It’s Shaq, hanging from the rim while he viciously dunks a basketball, as he did in human form so many times.
Shaq had many come out to support him on his big day. Along with West, Kareem, and Magic, Kobe Bryant also spoke in his honor. Bryant and former coach Phil Jackson sat next to him, giving us flashbacks of the historic teams that dominated the early 2000’s. The trio won three consecutive championships together from 2000-2002.
It was the first time Kobe made a public appearance at Staples since his final game last April. Stu Lantz joked, “The chances of Kobe showing up were about as good as Shaq making a free throw.”
Kobe spoke about his days playing with Shaq, and the appreciation he had come to find for his larger-than-life former teammate. He spoke about knowing they would win a series against the Spurs because Shaq had a bone to pick with David Robinson.
After some speeches from Shaq’s children and the unveiling of the statue, Shaq spoke, thanking all of his former teammates who came in support, cracking lots of jokes along the way. He also decided to stay to watch the game that night.
The Lakers took the court against the Timberwolves wearing special “Shaq socks”. They had a very good reason to play hard, to get the win on Shaq’s special day while he watched from the stands. The game was exciting, going into overtime, and get the win they did.
Jordan Clarkson poured in 35 points, including eight 3-pointers. Julius Randle added 23 points and 12 rebounds. It was a team effort, with six different Lakers scoring in double-figures. They had 26 assists on 46 field goals made.
On a night all about the team’s winning history, the young Lakers dug deep and pulled out a great performance for the win.
Next: Our Favorite Shaq Moments
Shaq’s statue will be hanging outside for years and years. A Lakers’ victory was a great way to start it off.