When Shaquille O’Neal entered the league he looked like an athletic freak. During his early years in the league with the Orlando Magic, Shaq proved his talents to the world while leading the team to an NBA Finals appearance.
After spending four seasons with the Magic, O’Neal moved on and joined the Los Angeles Lakers. In his stint with the Lakers, Shaq won three consecutive NBA championships. It was truly a beautiful sight for Lakers fans and during that time; it seemed almost impossible to stop him in his tracks.
Over time, Shaq started to put on weight and in the last few years of his career, he was completely overweight. Additionally, after retiring from the league, Shaq disregarded staying in shape. But now, it appears as if the 49 years old wants to get back in a good shape.
He recently appeared on the ‘Big Shot Bob’ podcast where he talked about getting back in shape.
“I have been trying to stay in shape but my definition of staying in shape is not having the CBB the Charles Barkley Belly. I’m gonna try to get in superb shape in the next three months because when I pull my shirt down I see a 3.8 pack. …I’m 385, 14% body fat now. Big Shot Bob knows the first championship 345, got happy. Second championship 365. That third championship 395.”
(starts at 1:55)
Like Shaq said himself, he drastically gained weight when he started winning championships with the Los Angeles Lakers. It’s surprising he never had a career-ending injury during that time.
When he left the LA Lakers to join the Miami Heat, O’Neal finally got back in decent shape and helped the Heat win a championship with their young superstar Dwyane Wade at the helm.
Following his time at the Heat, Shaq was clearly out of his prime and jumped around the league for a while before finally calling it a day in 2011.
He had an amazing career and has an impressive resume to speak for him. If he had taken better care of his body, it is quite evident Shaq would have retired with more than four rings to his name.
