Lakers Shaquille O'Neal Scores 61 On Birthday

On March 6, 2000, Shaquille O’Neal scores 61 points on his birthday. Turning 28 years old, the Los Angeles Lakers ‘big man’ O’Neal scores a career high 61 against the Los Angeles Clippers ‘on the road’.

Los Angeles Lakers Shaquille O'Neal (left) backing down Detroit Pistons Ben Wallace (right).

A side note of the story was O’Neal had asked the Clippers to give seats for his family on his birthday, the Clippers denied his request and O’Neal was forced to spend money to purchase seats for his family.

In 45 minutes against the Clippers, O’Neal scored 61 points going 24-35 from the field, made 13-22 free throw attempts, pulled down 23 rebounds as the Lakers beat the Clippers 123-103.

O’Neal’s 61 points on his birthday, were the most the NBA had seen any player score on his birthday, and the first 60-20 performance since 1969, when Wilt Chamberlain accomplished the same feat.

O’Neal would end up winning his only MVP award of his career that season.