As a longtime NBA fan and avid gamer, I find the behind-the-scenes stories of professional basketball intriguing, especially when they involve former stars like Penny Hardaway and Shaquille O’Neal. The recent revelation from Penny that Hollywood celebrities like Demi Moore and Bruce Willis were instrumental in recruiting Shaq to the Lakers is a fascinating tidbit that adds another layer to the rich history of the storied Los Angeles franchise.
As a dedicated gamer and basketball fan, I’m thrilled about the abundance of podcasts these days, especially for NBA enthusiasts like myself. These platforms offer endless opportunities for current and retired players to share their experiences and insights about the game. Recently, during an intriguing interview with former Orlando Magic star Penny Hardaway, he claimed that Hollywood stars like Demi Moore and Bruce Willis helped lure his ex-teammate, Shaquille O’Neal, to the Los Angeles Lakers back in the day.
What Exactly Did Penny Hardaway Say About Shaquille O’Neal’s Decision To Leave The Orlando Magic?
I had the privilege of playing alongside Shaquille O’Neal in Orlando from 1993 to 1996. On a recent episode of the Compass Circle podcast, I reminisced about our time together. During the 1996 Summer Olympics, I unintentionally learned that Shaq was planning to leave the Magic. This information came to me while I was interacting with the media. However, after the fact, Shaq and I discussed this development. When asked why I thought the Diesel chose to sign with the Lakers, I expressed my belief:
I didn’t want him to leave, but I discovered that Bruce Willis, Demi Moore, and other famous entertainers and actors in Los Angeles had teamed up with Jerry West to persuade him to join them. The prospect of Shaq pursuing a career in LA, with its larger market than Orlando, proved to be an irresistible opportunity for him.
As a longtime basketball enthusiast who has followed the NBA closely for decades, I’ve seen my fair share of surprising team moves and high-profile recruiting efforts. However, the idea that Hollywood A-listers played a significant role in luring top athletes to specific teams, like the case of Shaq and the Lakers, is something I find intriguing but not entirely convinced by.
How Did Jeanie Buss Respond To Penny Hardaway’s Claim?
At this year’s Comic-Con in San Diego, Jeanie Buss was delighted to be interviewed about Women of Wrestling, a business she co-owns. While there, we shared Penny Hardaway’s recent remarks with her, which brought on a light-hearted response. Following this exchange, Buss, whose late father, Dr. Jerry Buss, previously owned the Lakers, reminisced about how her NBA team recruited Shaq in the early 2000s.
I made every lawful effort to bring Shaquille O’Neal to the Lakers and secure consecutive championship titles. Being part of his foundation’s board gives me a unique opportunity. The next time I cross paths with him, I plan to ask him about that experience.
More on Shaquille O’Neal
During Michael Jordan’s ongoing feud with Scottie Pippen, Shaq (Shaquille O’Neal) encourages them to have a conversation and resolve their differences.
As an ardent fan, I had the opportunity to interview the triumphant NBA team owner. She appeared quite cheerful as she responded to our query about major celebrities potentially influencing late GM Jerry West during his pursuit of the Steel star. Although she didn’t outright dismiss the idea, her upbeat demeanor suggested that she found the notion amusing and was unaware of any such celebrity involvement.
Shaquille O’Neal’s decision to join the Lakers, regardless of the reasons behind it, is widely seen as beneficial for the team (despite any tensions he had with Kobe Bryant). Many people, including Jeanie Buss, are grateful for his contribution to the Lakers. As for who influenced O’Neal’s decision, Penny Hardaway’s account is intriguing. I’d be interested to know if others share or contradict this version of events.
To gain insight into the history of the Los Angeles basketball team, you have the option of watching the docuseries “Legacy: The True Story of the LA Lakers” on Hulu. Additionally, a younger version of Jeanie Buss is featured in the scripted, two-season dramedy called “Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty,” which can be accessed with a Max subscription.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-07-29 19:07