Penny Hardaway recalls Shaquille O'Neal's departure as worst day of his life

Penny Hardaway reflected on the day he learned of Shaquille O’Neal's departure from the Orlando Magic to the Los Angeles Lakers, calling it the 'worst day of my life.' In an interview on the Draymond Green Show, Hardaway revealed he was blindsided by the news when it broke during a team panel, as O'Neal had not personally informed him. The duo had achieved significant success together, including reaching the NBA Finals, but O'Neal's exit marked a downturn for the Magic, destabilizing the franchise and Hardaway's career. O'Neal went on to win three championships with the Lakers while Hardaway struggled to find success individually following the split.

• 1:06 AMYahoo Sports — Penny Hardaway Says Breakup With Shaquille O’Neal Was The Worst Day Of His Life