Of Course Shaquille O'Neal's Number Retirement Featured "We Want Phil" Chant

A Phil Jackson love fest broke out briefly during Shaquille O'Neal's ceremony Tuesday night. 

The Lakers finally got around to retiring the number of one of the best big men to ever play in the NBA and even managed to hang the damn jersey up the wrong way.

"

Shaq's retired Lakers jersey in the rafters at Staples Center is backwards twitter.com/BleacherReport…

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 3, 2013"

That wasn't the most awkward moment of the night. No, the fans saved that for when O'Neal decided to reference Jackson, his former head coach. 

Thanks to SportsGrid, we now have video evidence of how Lakers faithful view the season and the slim playoff hopes the team still clings to. 

The Big Aristotle thanks Jackson, which then starts a sudden and raucous chant of "We Want Phil," similar to the one fans gave back in November. 

Well, you didn't get him then, and you will not get him now. Only, this chant featured Jeanie Buss shaking her head in displeasure and Jackson giving a slight if not uncomfortable smile. 

Oh, and Mike D'Antoni, the current Lakers coach, was obviously in the building. 

He was as gracious as he could be, via J.A. Adande tweet.

"

D'Antoni on the "We Want Phil" chants: "He's only won 58 rings. Why wouldn't they?"

— J.A. Adande (@jadande) April 3, 2013"

The Lakers, for their part, continue to limp to the finish line with inconsistent flare. The team is 5-5 in the last 10 games and is tied with the Jazz, a team that owns the tie breaker for the last playoff spot. 

O'Neal now has his jersey hanging from the rafters, albeit backwards, and the Lakers are in the hunt for the postseason, however slim. 

Nothing is ever good enough for Lakers fans.

Hit me up on Twitter for more NBA madness. 

Follow @gabezal