“My father said, ‘I wouldn’t talk to you either, you ain’t win yet'” – Shaq recalls the tale of how Wilt Chamberlain ignored him in a pub

Shaq quickly grasped why the previous Lakers big guys weren’t treating him with respect.

Shaquille O’Neal was one of the most dominating players in NBA history. A legitimate 7’1″ center from LSU with tremendous power and quickness, he often tormented players his size, leaving them wounded and broken. Shaquille O’Neal struggled to win over Wilt Chamberlain, despite his stellar credentials.

In a recent appearance on “The Big Podcast” with fellow Hall of Famer Dwight Howard, Shaq told a tale from his early NBA days when he met “The Big Dipper” in a pub. As predicted, Shaq was still young and eager to establish himself as one of the league’s finest players. But when he approached Wilt for a talk, he received a cold shoulder.

Confused as to why the famed big man and fellow Los Angeles Laker great ignored him, “Diesel” called his father, whose reaction gave him pause and clarity.

Other Lakers big guys weren’t wowed with Shaq.

The Lakers have always had exceptional big men. The Lakers have been blessed with some of the best centers in NBA history, including George Mikan, Elgin Baylor, Wilt and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. So, when Shaq joined the team in 1996, he was determined to join them.

However, his first few seasons in the “City of Angels” were not as successful as many had anticipated. Despite his great stats, he was unable to elevate the Lakers to the next level, as they suffered humiliating playoff defeats to the Utah Jazz and the San Antonio Spurs.

“Remember how you and I were sitting at the pub the other day? How near were we? Shaq questioned Dwight about their previous chat, which resolved their dispute.

“I was so close to Wilt Chamberlain.” Ain’t saying anything. I’m at the table right here, and so is he. And the person remarked, ‘Hey, Mr. Chamberlain, there goes Shaquille O’Neal.’ “Wilt did me like this (mimics a shrug),” Diesel remembers.

“I can’t say anything. But I’m thinking, ‘Okay, I can’t go at him. He’s Wilt. Like… he is it. Is this anything I’m not doing correctly? So I phoned my father. I said, “Yo man, I just saw Wilt.” He didn’t—he didn’t shout at me. My father said, ‘I wouldn’t speak to you either. You haven’t won yet.’ “And hung up,” he remembered. “That’s the type of s**t I grew up on.”

Got criticized for not winning.

Although Shaq and the Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Finals in 1998, they were swept by the Jazz. O’Neal averaged 31.8 points and 9.3 rebounds, but he shot just 45 percent from the free throw line.

“We’re still being swept. But I’m averaging 30, because, you know, I set it for myself. I said, “I’ve got to do this.” I’ve got to do this. So I’m averaging 30—your son is doing all that… Otherwise, we lose. “It’s my fault because I’m not hitting free throws,” the big guy said.

“Kareem – They say, ‘Kareem, Shaq’s getting close to your records; he’s averaging this much in the playoffs.’ Kareem said, “Is he great if they keep getting swept every year?”

As terrible as Kareem’s statements were, “The Big Aristotle” did not flinch as he understood how much truth there was in the statement. Yes, he was posting monster numbers every night. However, such efforts would be in vain if the “Purple and Gold” did not prevail. Finally, he grasped what his fellow large guys were trying to do: annoy him off enough to unleash the beast inside him.

By Jonas Panerio

Jonas has been a dedicated sports journalist for over two decades. His passion to the Golden State Warriors is almost as strong, spanning over two decades of unflinching support. After years as a Chicago Bulls and Milwaukee Bucks beat reporter, he now covers everything NBA-related.