Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal is considered one of the greatest big men in the history of the NBA. Shaq suited up for 19 seasons with the likes of the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Boston Celtics.
He won four NBA titles, including helping Kobe Bryant win multiple Larry O’Brien Trophies with the Lakers.
However, we know that Shaq’s relationship with the late Bryant became strained at times. It led to him moving on from the Lakers following the 2003-04 season.
At about that same time, Dirk Nowitzki was turning into an absolute legend for owner Mark Cuban and the Dallas Mavericks. Dirk would ultimately become the Mavericks’ greatest player, earning 14 All-Star appearances and winning an NBA title.
Dirk and Shaq just recently shared a story about the former attempting to force a trade from the Lakers to the Mavericks. The conversation was really interesting.
“I called Mark and said ‘Mark, whatever you have to do to get me there.’ And he’s like, ‘the Lakers won’t do it, man.'”
Shaquille O’Neal on attempting to force a trade to the Mavericks
Related: Shaquille O’Neal Hilariously Uses Stacks Of Cash To Troll Charles Barkley After Winning Bet
Shaquille O’Neal On The Dallas Mavericks Would Have Changed NBA History
Just imagine Shaq and Dirk teaming up in Big D. One of the issues during Nowitzki’s otherwise brilliant career in Dallas was a lack of a supporting cast. It’s why one of the best players in modern NBA history came away with just one title during his career.
Back in 2004, Shaq was still averaging north of 20 points and double-digit rebounds. He was not his dominant self like we saw earlier in O’Neal’s career after the Magic made him the No. 1 pick in the 1992 NBA Draft. But he was a solid No. 2 option.
Ultimately, O’Neal landed with the Miami Heat. He helped Dwyane Wade to a title with the Heat in 2006 against Nowitzki’s Mavericks.
More about:NBA
Read This Next
