Lakers to build Shaq statue outside Staples Center
Another legend will soon be immortalized outside the Staples Center.
Jimmy Kimmel revealed to Shaquille O'Neal on Wednesday's episode of "Jimmy Kimmel Live" that the Los Angeles Lakers are planning to build O'Neal a statue. Despite Kimmel's penchant for pranks, the comic promised that he was absolutely serious.
The team confirmed the announcement shortly thereafter. The statue will be unveiled sometime during the 2016-17 season.
The artist's rendition of the statue, as presented on Kimmel, recreates the scene of O'Neal's immortal dunk on Chris Dudley.
There are currently three statues adorning the perimeter of Staples Center. O'Neal's figure will stand alongside those of Jerry West, Magic Johnson, and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Across eight seasons as a Laker, O'Neal won three championships, averaged 27 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks, and was named to the All-Star team seven times.
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