Lakers Legend Shaquille O’Neal Earns Master’s Degree From LSU

Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal accepted his Master’s degree during LSU’s commencement ceremony on Saturday. O’Neal earned his degree in Liberal Arts from LSU’s College of Humanities & Social Sciences.

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O’Neal returned to LSU to complete his undergraduate degree in 2000 after leaving Baton Rouge three seasons into his collegiate career to start his NBA career in 1992. He was the No. 1 overall pick by the Orland Magic in the 1992 NBA Draft.

Shaq left LSU early for the NBA, but promised his mother he would finish his education.

While in the NBA, Shaq went back and finished his undergraduate degree in 2000. Now, 26 years later, he's gotten his masters degree from LSU, too.pic.twitter.com/Ef44ZfC7yL

— Front Office Sports (@FOS) May 16, 2026

Before entering the NBA, O’Neal was named the 1991 AP Player of the Year. Today, O’Neal remains LSU’s No. 5 all-time scorer with 1,941 career points and the No. 2 all-time rebounder with 1,217 rebounds.

When he earned his Bachelor’s degree from LSU in 2000, the school retired his No. 33 jersey. LSU also honored O’Neal with a statue in September 2011.

After his career at LSU, O’Neal went on to win four NBA championships, including a historic three-peat with the Lakers from 2000-02. In all three of those championship runs, he was named the NBA Finals Most Valuable Player and was the NBA Most Valuable Player in 2000.

O’Neal Trolls Charles Barkley During Graduation Ceremony

When the announcer called O’Neal up to the stage to accept his degree, his name was listed as “Shaquille ‘I Hate Charles Barkley’ O’Neal”. This was a humorous way for O’Neal to troll his long-time frenemy, Charles Barkley.

Nov 21, 2025; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Phoenix Suns former player Charles Barkley sits courtside against the Minnesota Timberwolves during an NBA Cup game at Mortgage Matchup Center. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

While playing for the Lakers, O’Neal got into a brawl with Barkley after Barkley threw a basketball at O’Neal’s head during a game in November 1999. The pair quickly made up and have turned their rivalry into comedic, fun brotherhood that has carried on into both of their retirements.

Photo Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

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