A surprise was waiting National Basketball Association (NBA) great Shaquille O'Neal when he guested in Jimmy Kimmel Live as it was revealed to him that he will have his own statue outside Staples Center.
Jimmy Kimmel broke the news to O'Neal and the big man was astounded and was asking the host if he was serious, later saying, "That's awesome."
After spending four years with the Orlando Magic who drafted him number one overall in 1992, O'Neal joined the Los Angeles Lakers and played eight seasons with the team.
O'Neal was a pivotal piece to the Lakers' championship run which saw the franchise complete a three-peat in 2000, 2001, and 2002.
Following his stint with Los Angeles, O'Neal played for the Miami Heat in which he won his fourth title, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and the Boston Celtics, before retiring.
In the 43-year-old's interview with Kimmel, he was also asked what team would he choose if he enters the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame and he said most likely the Lakers.
In a statement on the Lakers' official website, team president and co-owner Jeanie Buss said they are looking forward to the addition of O'Neal in the group of legends who already have statues outside Staples Center.
"He is a giant not only in size, but also in stature and in what he accomplished as a Laker. Shaq literally broke the ground for the site, and was hugely responsible for not only getting STAPLES Center built, but for making it one of the most successful and famous arenas in the world. It's an honor that is well deserved," Buss expressed.
O'Neal did not have a great ending with the Lakers and was also involved in a feud with franchise star Kobe Bryant, but all those are in the past as both sides are looking to cement a legacy with the future statue.
