In an episode of Running Wild With Bear Grylls, which was aired on 29 August 2016, NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal traveled back in time to relive one of the most defining moments of his illustrious 19-year career. He shared that moment in the remote Adirondack wilderness, far from the flashing lights and roaring crowds of the Staples Center.
Bear Grylls, the renowned British adventurer, asked a crucial question to O’Neal, “If you kind of look back on everything, what would you say is your been your proudest sporting moment?”
O’Neal invited Grylls and viewers to dream alongside him, “You ready to dream with me? Close your eyes, you’re inside the Staples Center. The Lakers were down the whole fourth quarter by 16. If they lose this game, they will not go to the Finals. Kobe has the ball at the top of the key. He crosses Scottie Pippen up. He goes to the lane.”
Shaq added, “What is this? Is this a shot? No, it’s a lob. The lob is too high. Oh my God, Shaq comes out of nowhere, throws it down. He’s running down the court like this.”
O’Neal then recalls the unexpected lob from Kobe Bryant. Shaq, with his unmatched agility, rushed to slam the lobbed ball into the basket. That pivotal play increased the Lakers’ lead to six points, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to call a desperate timeout. In the end, it was the LA Lakers who won the match with a close score of 89-84. This legendary duo, and their team, went on to win the NBA championship title later that year, defeating the Indiana Pacers in a tough six-game series.
Shaquille O’Neal paid a heartfelt tribute to his son in 2000
The overwhelming emotion of that iconic moment was visible in the eyes of millions of fans and deeply in Shaquille O’Neal. As he celebrated the magnificent dunk and ran down the court, he made a gesture that left many wondering its meaning.
This is the iconic sports moment of my childhood – Kobe Bryant lobbing it to Shaquille O’Neal for the alley-oop to cap off an unlikely comeback from 15 points down in Game 7 of the 2000 Western finals against Portland. Just when the Lakers looked finished, they rose up #RIPKobe pic.twitter.com/jyMTnhMmJv
— Ryan Songalia (@ryansongalia) January 27, 2020
In his conversation with Grylls, O’Neal revealed the emotional backstory. “A lot of people was asking me what was I pointing at. Before I left, my son was two years old. He said, ‘Daddy, I want you to win.'”
It was this innocent, heartfelt request from his young son that fueled O’Neal’s passion and drive during that decisive game. His celebratory gesture was actually a loving tribute to his son, indicating a promise kept. This revelation adds another layer to the already epic sports moment but also highlights O’Neal’s deep family values.