Brian Shaw was born on March 22, 1966 in Oakland California.  Shaw was given a key to the city of Oakland along with Jason Kidd, Gary Payton and Antonio Davis. All of which grew up in Oakland.

Shaw went to Bishop O'Dowd High School. After his graduation he attended St. Mary's College of California for his freshman and sophomore years before transfering to UC Santa Barbara for his junior and senior years. Shaw won the Pacific Coast Athletic Association (PCAA) player of the year in his senior year.

Shaw was drafted the 24th overall pick by the Boston Celtics in the 1988 draft and signed to a one year contract. After the year was over Shaw signed a two year contract with an Italian team, Il Messaggero Roma. In January of 1990 the Celtics signed Shaw to a 5 year contract but in June of 1990 Shaw told the Celtics he planned to play for the Il Messaggero Roma team the next year. This conflict became a famous court case studied by law students today.

Shaw made the NBA finals four times, the first with the Orlando Magic in 1995 and the other three with the Lakers from 2000-2003. Shaw won 3 championships during his career, all with the Lakers. Shaq has said Shaw was the teammate that he most respected,

Shaw retired from play after the 2002-2003 season and became a Lakers assistant coach for the 2004-2005 season.