When Shaquille O’Neal left the Orlando Magic in the summer of 1996 to sign with the Lakers, he reportedly did so for several reasons. According to reports, Shaq didn’t like his coach, he didn’t like Penny Hardaway, and the Lakers offered him a boatload of cash.
O’Neal signed a seven-year, $121 million deal with the Lakers and the rest is history. With the Diesel set to join the Magic Hall of Fame, he admitted that he regrets leaving Orlando for LA.
Shaquille O'Neal is all-smiles prior to his induction in the Magic Hall of Fame: pic.twitter.com/OFMO96mSNE
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 27, 2015
Shaq said he wishes he had given seven years with the Magic and then evaluated his situation.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 27, 2015
Shaq said there are times when he regrets that he left the Magic. He said he wishes he had been more patient.
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 27, 2015
Shaq: "I try not to live my life now on if's and would've, should've. But do I regret leaving here in 96? Yes, I do."
— Josh Robbins (@JoshuaBRobbins) March 27, 2015