1996-97 Shaquille O’Neal Los Angeles Lakers Game-Used & Autographed Road Jersey

Shaquille O’Neal’s 1996-97 Los Angeles Lakers Jersey: A Piece of Basketball History

An Iconic Artifact from a Legendary Career

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 impact on the sport. His legacy with the Los Angeles Lakers is immortalized with the retirement of his No. 34 jersey, a symbol of his dominance and contributions to the franchise. Now, collectors and enthusiasts have the rare opportunity to own a piece of this legacy with a 1996-97 Lakers jersey worn by O’Neal himself.

Details of the Jersey

This remarkable jersey is a size “56” as indicated by the Champion manufacturer’s tag on the front left tail, complete with washing instructions. Adjacent to this is a Champion distributor’s tag that reads, “DESIGNED & TAILORED 96-97 EXCLUSIVELY FOR LOS ANGELES LAKERS BODY LENGTH +6”. The left inseam features a flag tag detailing the body fabrics, while the upper left chest proudly displays the official “NBA” logo embroidered. Interestingly, during the 96-97 season, the NBA logo was typically embroidered in gold to commemorate the league’s 50th anniversary. However, there are photos of Shaq wearing the traditional red, white, and blue logo during this season, adding a unique aspect to this jersey.

Design and Signature

Across the chest, the jersey reads “LAKERS,” and the back showcases the player name “O’NEAL,” both crafted in gold on white tackle twill. The player number “34” is prominently displayed on both the front and back in white on gold tackle twill. Adding to its allure, O’Neal has signed the back of the jersey inside the player number in black marker, with the signature rated an 8 in our opinion.

Game-Used and Authenticated

This jersey is properly tagged, was presented to us as game-used, and in our opinion, shows light use. It is accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity (LOA) from JSA and a Letter of Provenance (LOP) from Mine-O-Mine, further cementing its authenticity and value.

• Historical Significance: Worn during the 1996-97 NBA season, a pivotal time in Shaquille O’Neal’s career with the Lakers.
• Iconic Player: Represents Shaquille O’Neal, a Hall of Famer and one of the most dominant players in NBA history.
• Unique Features: Includes the traditional NBA logo, diverging from the gold anniversary logo used that season.
• Authenticated Signature: Signed by O’Neal, adding a personal touch to this collectible.

Why This Jersey Matters

Owning this jersey is not just about possessing a piece of fabric; it is about holding a fragment of basketball history. Shaquille O’Neal’s influence on the game is unparalleled, and this jersey is a testament to his enduring legacy. For those interested in exploring more basketball memorabilia, Grey Flannel Auctions offers a wide array of sports memorabilia that captures the essence of the game and its legendary figures. Whether you are looking to sell sports memorabilia or consign NBA jerseys, our platform provides the perfect avenue to connect with fellow enthusiasts and collectors.

* This text was generated from the original auction listing.