Shaquille O'Neal turns 53: a look back (21 images)

Shaquille O'Neal, during his time on the Orlando Magic, lies in the stands after flying out of bounds while attempting a rebound off the New York Knicks' Patrick Ewing at Madison Square Garden in New York City on February 1, 1996. O'Neal would later join the Los Angeles Lakers that same year. Photo by UPI

O'Neal, as a member of the Los Angeles Lakers, slam dunks the ball on November 16, 1997, as the Lakers defeated the Vancouver Grizzlies 117-94. Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI

The St. Louis Cardinals' Eric Davis waves to the crowd as O'Neal picks him up before a game between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Cincinnati Reds on July 8, 1999. Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Former President George W. Bush (R) receives a basketball from O'Neal in the East Room of the White House on January 28, 2002, to mark the Lakers winning the 2001 NBA Championship. Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI