Shaquille O’Neal announces his retirement

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Shaquille O’Neal, at 39 the NBA’s oldest player, announced Wednesday on Twitter, quite simply, ‘im retiring,’ which, if it holds true, should end his 19-season NBA career for the former All-Star center who helped win the Lakers three titles.

O’Neal also posted a link to a video that shows him seated at an office desk, addressing a camera with a smile, ‘We did it. Nineteen years, baby. I want to thank you very much. That’s why I’m telling you first that I’m about to retire. Love you. Talk to you soon.’

The 7-foot-1, 325-pound former No. 1 overall draft pick of the Orlando Magic in 1992 center averaged 23.7 points and 10.9 rebounds in his career but played sparingly in his final season with the Boston Celtics.

O’Neal was a 15-time All-Star, four-time NBA champion -- three with the Lakers, one with Miami -- and the 1999-2000 MVP. He is considered one of the most dominant players to have played the game.

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-- Baxter Holmes