SHAQ A BULLDOG ON COURT, BUT A PUPPY IN REAL LIFE.

Byline: Steve Dilbeck Staff Writer

At first the two halves don't appear to fit. Like foreign bodies that could never form a real whole. Yet together they make up one of the unique figures on the national sports scene.

As a player, Lakers center Shaquille O'Neal is unquestionably one of a kind. He is plainly the most powerful man in his sport. Physically intimidating, aggressive, hard-working, he is a force that few teams even consider trying to contain with a single man.

Off the court, O'Neal goes from lion to near puppy dog. He is typically whimsical, or tries very hard to be. He's playful and fun-loving. The world's biggest kid. Superman, Shaq-Fu, Shaq Diesel, Shaq the lead in ``Kazaam'' and ``Steel'', Shaq who kids reporters and teammates alike. He has more identities than Walter Mitty, only his are real.

Shaq with the scowl, the look of determination and drive on the court. Shaq with the quick mischievous grin off it.

Together the two halves form one of the biggest personalities-athletes-stars-entrepreneurs on the planet. It's Shaq and his clothing line, Shaq and his record label, and most of all, Shaq with his MVPs.

That's MVP of the NBA regular season, the All-Star Game, and the NBA Finals. Who led the league in scoring (29.8 points per game), was second in rebounding (13.6) and third in blocked shots (3.04). The Shaq who made a commitment to play defense. Who after a magnificent regular season, turned it up in the postseason (30.7 points, 15.4 rebounds).

The Shaq, who knowing he would never be truly considered a great player until he won a championship, dominated the NBA Finals in bringing the Lakers their first title in 12 years.

Shaq who is only 28. Still part kid, part overgrown adult, with huge ego and ambition, with two halves and one unique whole.

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Photo: Shaquille O'Neal, known as a dominating player, has a playful side away from the game.

John Lazar/Staff Photographer