Here's why Shaquille O'Neal says he supports the Staples Center name change

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Monday, December 13, 2021
Why Shaq says he supports the Staples Center name change
Although not everyone might approve of the impending Staples Center name change, Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal says he's glad they're changing the name.

LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- Although not everyone might approve of the impending Staples Center name change, Lakers legend Shaquille O'Neal says he's glad they're changing the name.

The downtown Los Angeles arena will officially become Crypto.com Arena starting Christmas Day as part of a $700 million naming rights deal.

As he explained on "The Big Podcast with Shaq," he's all for it.

"I'm glad they're taking the name of the Staples Center down because that was our building....Staples Center belonged to Shaq and Kobe, forever," he said.

Staples Center, the downtown Los Angeles home to several local pro sports teams, will be renamed Crypto.com Arena.

The Lakers christened the then-brand new arena by winning the NBA title in its first season. They then went on to win two more the next two seasons.

The Kings also won a pair of Stanley Cups in the building and the Sparks have won three WNBA titles there as well.

It's a new era! Crews were spotted at Staples Center, home to several local pro sports teams such as the Lakers, removing outdoor signage as it prepares to live under a new name.