WATCH: Zach Hyman's Game 5 fit of Shaquille O'Neal's game-worn and signed LA Lakers jersey

By Anjum Rajonno

Modified May 17, 2024 02:01 GMT

Edmonton Oilers left wing Zach Hyman arrived at Rogers Arena for Game 5 of their second-round playoffs series wearing a special gift sent by NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal. Hyman donned Shaq’s iconic LA Lakers jersey, which the Lakers icon sent via fellow TNT analyst Nabil Karim on Thursday morning.

Hyman walked into the arena wearing Shaq’s #34 in purple and gold, tucked under a gray suit jacket and matching trousers. There might have been some fitting adjustments required, given that Zach is listed at 6-1 and 206 pounds, while O'Neal is 7-1 and 324 pounds.

Hyman and Shaquille O’Neal have been long compared for their similar playing styles. During his time with the Toronto Maple Leafs, the NHL winger earned the moniker “Shaq Hyman” owing to his tendency to score in the paint, quite like the NBA icon.

Shaq too has embraced the same moniker when he made his recent cameo on “NHL on TNT” on makeshift ‘skates’. Shortly after, Hyman gifted O’Neal a signed Oilers jersey, Shaq returned the favor on Thursday morning by sending Zach his game-worn Lakers shirt.

Hyman was all smiles as he took photos with the iconic #34 in the Oilers’ dressing room upon receiving the signed jersey.

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Zach Hyman has a lot of respect for Shaquille O’Neal

The Oilers left wing has always been a fan of the NBA icon. When the 'Shaq Hyman' moniker resurfaced recently, thanks to Shaq’s cameo on “NHL on TNT,” Zach was quick to react. He even mentioned that he would gladly give Shaq hockey lessons if the NBA legend ever wanted to learn.

“I’m a huge Shaq fan, obviously an incredible basketball player and incredible panelist on TNT,” Zach Hyman said after O’Neal’s appearance on ‘NHL on TNT’. [H/T Yahoo Sports]

Hyman mentioned that NBA games were often even more entertaining when Shaq and Charles Barkley were bantering during intermissions. He thought it was great to see Shaq on the NHL set, playing along as ‘Shaq Hyman.’

“Sometimes the basketball games are even more fun when he and Charles are going at it in the intermission, so he brings a whole other element to the NBA.”

"It’s cool to see him on the NHL set and pretending to be ‘Shaq Hyman.' Never thought in my life people would be calling him 'Shaq Hyman.' Pretty cool to share that nickname with him."

Hyman will be focusing on coming out on top in Game 5 against the Vancouver Canucks and gaining a lead in the series, which is currently tied 2-2. It remains to be seen if Shaq’s signed jersey brings him luck, and if Hyman can come through in the clutch like Shaq at Rogers Arena.