https://twitter.com/BaxterHolmes/status/811356979235061760
In January, the Los Angeles Lakers announced that Shaquille O’Neal would be the recipient of a unique statue outside of the Staples Center. Now, we know when the piece of history will be unveiled. The team announced on Tuesday that O’Neal’s tribute will be displayed to the world on March 24, 2017 and, well, it will be unlike any other statue outside an NBA arena. In short? O’Neal’s statue will be gold-plated and it will hang 10 feet above the ground.
When the statue was first announced, it came in the form of a surprise to O’Neal from Jimmy Kimmel as part of a live interview. The big man was clearly in disbelief when he was first informed, but it confirmed shortly thereafter and the long wait for the construction of the piece is coming to a close.
The unveiling will come just before the Lakers take on the Minnesota Timberwolves and, when it was originally announced, Lakers president and co-owner Jeannie Buss said the following.
“We look forward to having Shaq join the other legends who have been honored with statues at STAPLES Center. He is a giant not only in size, but also in stature and in what he accomplished as a Laker. Shaq literally broke the ground for the site, and was hugely responsible for not only getting STAPLES Center built, but for making it one of the most successful and famous arenas in the world. It’s an honor that is well deserved.”
There is no question that O’Neal deserves a permanent tribute in front of the Staples Center and this is a fantastic move from the Lakers organization. When it is showcased for the first time, O’Neal will address the assembled masses and it is probably safe to assume that ceremony will be worth keeping an eye on, even if only for the entertainment that he will bring as he did throughout his career.
