1996-97 Shaquille O’Neal Los Angeles Lakers Game-Used & Autographed Jersey
(JSA • Lakers LOA)
Shaquille O’Neal’s Iconic Los Angeles Lakers Jersey: A Piece of Basketball History
A Legendary Career Commemorated
Shaquille O’Neal, a towering figure in the world of basketball, was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Hall of Fame in 2016, a testament to his extraordinary contributions to the sport. His No. 34 jersey, retired by the Los Angeles Lakers, stands as a symbol of his indelible impact on the franchise. This particular jersey, a relic from the 1996-97 season, encapsulates the essence of O’Neal’s dominance on the court.
Jersey Details and Significance
The jersey is a Champion make, size “56,” with washing instructions on the front left tail. Adjacent to this is a special Champion tag that reads, “DESIGNED & TAILORED 96-97 EXCLUSIVELY FOR LOS ANGELES LAKERS BODY LENGTH +6.” This exclusive design highlights the jersey’s unique provenance, tailored specifically for the Lakers during a pivotal season in O’Neal’s career.
- Material and Design: The jersey features two flag tags on the left inseam, indicating the materials and an additional “6” EXTRA BODY LENGTH.”
- Iconic Embellishments: The upper left chest proudly displays the gold “NBA” logo, embroidered to signify the league’s prestige.
- Team and Player Identification: Across the chest, “LAKERS” is emblazoned, with the player number “34” on both the front and back. The back also features the player name “O’NEAL,” all crafted in purple on white tackle twill.
A Signature of Greatness
Adding to its allure, Shaquille O’Neal has signed the front of the jersey in black marker. In our expert opinion, the signature rates a 7, further enhancing the jersey’s value and desirability. This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used and in our opinion shows appropriate use. It is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA and a Lakers LOA, ensuring its authenticity and historical significance.
Why This Jersey Matters
This jersey is not merely a piece of fabric; it is a tangible connection to one of basketball’s most dominant players. O’Neal’s tenure with the Lakers was marked by unparalleled success, including multiple NBA championships. Owning this jersey offers a unique opportunity to possess a piece of basketball history, a testament to O’Neal’s legacy and the Lakers’ storied past.
For those interested in acquiring such a remarkable piece of basketball memorabilia, this jersey represents an exceptional addition to any collection. Explore our sports memorabilia auctions to discover more iconic items from the world of sports. Whether you’re looking to sell sports memorabilia or consign game-worn items, Grey Flannel Auctions is your trusted partner in the realm of elite sports artifacts.
* This text was generated from the original auction listing.