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Why did Shaq choose 32?

Author

Sarah Smith

Published Jan 19, 2026

Kareem wore number 33 for the Lakers and Shaq looked to follow in his footsteps. There was just one problem: his high school didn't have a #33 jersey. Shaq improvised, and chose number 32 instead. Once O'Neal got to college at LSU, the number 33 was an option again and he snatched it up.

Why did Shaq wear number 32?

O'Neal wore 32 in high school because no 33 could be found in a laundry basket of hand-me-downs.

Why did Shaq choose number 34?

Shaquille O'Neal

His alternative choice, No. 33, was his jersey number when he attended Louisiana State University, but that jersey was retired in honor of Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Shaq ultimately decided on No. 34 because that was the number his stepfather wore in the Army.

Did Shaq ever wear number 32?

Shaquille O'Neal wore numbers 32, 34, 33 and 36.

Did Shaq wear 32 or 34?

Shaq started his NBA journey with the Orlando Magic wearing No 32 (and won a title using that number with the Miami Heat) and finished sporting as No 36 for the Boston Celtics - but it is his time sporting No 34 for the Los Angeles Lakers that marks the pinnacle of his career.

20 related questions found

What is shaqs shoe size?

Shaquille O'Neal's shoe size is massive

Like his height and muscle-filled frame, Shaq's shoes are huge. The 15-time All-Star wears a size 22. But while he didn't have to worry about finding sneakers that fit him throughout his NBA career, O'Neal did as a kid.

Why did Kobe choose 24?

From the 2006-07 season Bryant decided to change his jersey number to No. 24. It was the number he wore in his early basketball playing days. About the jersey number 24, Kobe said “Then 24 is a growth from that.

What is Shaq's career free throw percentage?

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How can I contact Shaquille O Neal?

Shaquille O'Neal Booking Agent Contact Details

Contact AthleteSpeakers today at 800-916-6008 to book Shaquille O'Neal for a keynote speech, virtual meetings, corporate appearance, grand opening, product announcement, moderated Q&A or for an exclusive meet and greet.

Who wore 33 in the NBA?

Most iconic NBA numbers: #33 – Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Scottie Pippen.

Who in the NBA wears 34?

34: Shaquille O'Neal (Lakers)

Why did Rodman wear 91?

Given Rodman could not use the 10 jersey as the Bulls had retired it for Bob Love, and the NBA denied him the reversion 01, Rodman instead picked the number 91, whose digits add up to 10.

Who wore 00 in the NFL?

players, including Carmelo Anthony (0) and Damian Lillard (00). Those numbers have been banned from the N.F.L. since the 1973 reforms, although the Hall of Fame center Jim Otto wore 00 in the '60s and '70s.

Has Stephen Curry ever missed a free throw?

Curry has actually missed eight free throws (24-of-32) through the first four games of the series for an 80 percent clip, which is pretty far below his career average.

How many 3's has Shaq made in his career?

Shaquille O'neal has made one three pointer in his career. In the 1995–96 season he took a turnaround 3 pointer at the buzzer and it went in. He's attempted 22 3 point field goals and made one. That is 5% on his career.

Who has the highest free throw percentage of all time?

NBA Free Throw Percentage

Stephen Curry has the best free throw percentage in NBA history: 90.69%.

Why is number 23 so special in basketball?

Playing on the varsity basketball team, Larry Jordan wore number 45; when Michael made the team, he donned 23 because it was (roughly) half of his brother's number. He, of course, stuck with that number throughout his college and professional careers.

What were Kobe's last words?

Kobe shared some last words of wisdom and motivation before his heartbreaking death. “Hello everyone, I'm so sorry can't be with you tonight,” he said in a video posted on Twitter.

Why is Jordan the number 23?

Why why was Michael Jordan number 23? Michael Jordan chose to have number 23 as his jersey number when he played for Laney High School in North Carolina. It is believed that he choose the number because it was half the number of his brother Larry who wore 45.

What is Michael Jordans number?

Michael Jordan's number 23 jersey is arguably the most iconic in sports history. Jordan entered the league in 1984 and was assigned the number 23 by the Chicago Bulls. He immediately established himself as one of the best players in the league. With his improvement, his jersey number became absolutely iconic.