Orlando Magic Officially Retire Shaquille O'Neal's Jersey Number

Although he won championships with the Los Angeles Lakers, Shaquille O'Neal had dominant years with the Orlando Magic

Before Shaquille O'Neal became an NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, he was a dominant force for the Orlando Magic. 

On Tuesday, O'Neal finally got the respect he deserved from the Magic organization. His No. 32 was retired during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. 

"You know, there's an old saying: never forget where you come from," O'Neal said. "And my professional career started here. I've been living here mostly all my life. The fans have been hospitable. The people have been very, very hospitable. I never thought this day would happen."

O'Neal became the third player in league history to have his jersey retired by three teams. His number also hangs in the rafters of the arenas for the Miami Heat and Lakers. He helped both of those teams win titles. The other players are Wilt Chamberlain (Lakers, Golden State Warriors and Philadelphia 76ers) and Pete Maravich (Atlanta Hawks, Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans). 

O'Neal played for the Magic from 1992-96, leading them to the 1995 NBA Finals. He is still sixth on the franchise's all-time scoring list. 

"It means that every franchise you played for, they enjoyed you," O'Neal said. "The fans enjoyed you. The people enjoyed you. They appreciated your hard work ... There's no other place I would have wanted to start my career," said O'Neal, whose words were often drowned out by cheers. "Orlando will always have a special place in my heart."

That Time Los Angeles Lakers Great Magic Johnson Shunned The Kansas City Kings

Shandel Richardson is the publisher of Back In The Day NBA. He can be reached at shandelrich@gmail.com