when did shaq become the BEST player in the league?

[SHAQisGOAT]

Around 1998 yea... Clear-cut best from 2000 to 2002 while displaying a top5 all-time peak.

[L.A. Jazz]

Shaq is a good example why the MVP is not the best player alive award. He was the best player 98 -2002 but he didnt play enough games, came into season out of shape, didnt care enough on defense,... And then there are great stories like AI in 01. All in all he should have more MVPs but he did his part in not getting them.

[Spurs5Rings2014]

From 1999 to 2003 he was safety and clearly the best player.