Shaquille O’Neal, without a doubt, will go down as the most dominant player the NBA has ever seen. The Diesel was truly unstoppable on the court, and any player trying to stop him was in for a rough night. Most fans would agree that Shaq’s peak came during his time with the Los Angeles Lakers.
Shaq’s 8-year stint with the Lakers resulted in 4 trips to the NBA Finals and three consecutive NBA championship wins. Shaq was named the Finals MVP in all three of their championship wins. And when one looks at his numbers, it’s hard to argue that anyone else deserved it more.
Shaquille O’Neal dominated the best of the Eastern Conference three years in a row during the NBA Finals. In 2000, he averaged 38 and 16 over the Indiana Pacers to win his first championship. His 2nd NBA championship saw his offensive numbers dwindle to 33 and 15, but he was stronger on defense, averaging 3.4 blocks a game. And in 2002, Shaq dominated the Nets with a series average of 36 and 12.
Shaquille O’Neal’s Stats In NBA Finals (2000-2002)
2000 NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs Indiana Pacers:
38.0 points per game
16.7 rebounds per game
2.3 assists per game
2.7 Blocks per game
1 Steal per game
61.1% Field Goal Percentage
2001 Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs. Philadelphia 76ers:
33.0 points per game
15.8 rebounds per game
4.8 assists per game
3.4 blocks per game
0.4 Steals per game
57.3% Field Goal Percentage
2002 NBA Finals: Los Angeles Lakers vs New Jersey Nets:
36.3 points per game
12.3 rebounds per game
3.8 assists per game
2.8 blocks per game
0.5 steals per game
59.5% Field Goal Percentage
Idea from: Reddit User u/GrayGod1
Shaquille O’Neal was very clearly the primary option for the Lakers. Playing alongside Kobe Bryant, Shaq was one-half of the greatest duo in NBA history. Kobe’s numbers during their stint show that he was underrated, but it was clear that Shaq was the more productive player at the time.
Shaq put up incredible numbers during the course of his entire career. But most fans are in agreement that it was his time with the Lakers where he was at his best. And given the numbers he put up in the NBA Finals, it would be hard to argue with that assessment.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=te9VQbONNUY
