Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most successful players in NBA history. And, while he did work hard to achieve his dreams, his motivation is what fuelled him. Shaq is a family man and always looks to help out those close to him whenever he can. This is especially true when it came to his mother Lucille O’Neal. To the point, where he once admitted on the PBD podcast that his aggressive style of play came from his desire to buy his mother anything, which led to him even developing a unique killer instinct.
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The four-time NBA Champion has always had an aggressive style of play. A style that was heavily centered around dunking, and one that was developed thanks to his stepfather Sgt. Phillip Harrison. In fact, he once tried a finger roll in high school, similar to his hero Julius Erving, prompting Sgt. Harrison to remind a young Shaq of his strengths with a tight slap.
Shaquille O’Neal developed a killer instinct thanks to his desire to provide for his mother Lucille O’Neal
There are several NBA players who have found great success over the years. But, Shaquille O’Neal is one of few players who triumphed both on and off the court. With a $400 million net worth and an incredible career as a professional basketball player to his name, he is a legend through and through. But, what motivated him to become so successful?
Well, as he revealed on a podcast, his desire to succeed actually has to do with his mother Lucille O’Neal. Shaq is always looking to provide for his family, and his desire to provide for his mother was especially strong. So much so, that it directly translated to his style of play.
Big Diesel was known for being an aggressive player, who took no prisoners. And, as he explained, this was because he wanted to take care of his mother. He even developed a killer instinct in the process.
“My sole dream was to be able to buy my mother anything she wants. Even to this day. That’s why I work hard. All that stuff you said I own…it’s cool… but it was my mom’s birthday. Like she don’t even like Louis purses, but I said, ‘Come let’s take a ride… get a bag… 2000,’ and she would go, ‘No baby! Don’t buy that,’ and I said, ‘Get two of them Ma!’ That right there is what being wealthy and successful is for me. So when I’m playing and I’m on that court, you can’t outplay me because if you are, you’re taking my mother’s house away. And, I can’t have that. So, I will damn near kill you before you take my mother’s house away.”
Shaq has always been a loving human being. One who cares deeply for his friends and family. It’s heartwarming to know that it is this love that motivates him to be successful.
Shaq made his parents business partners and put them on a salary
Shaquille O’Neal constantly looked out for his parents once he went pro. His stepfather and mother made him the man he is today, and as such, he wanted to pay them back for everything. So, he incorporated both Sgt. Phillip Harrison and Lucille O’Neal into his business and even gave them a salary of $500,000.
It was a touching gesture, and, one that also reportedly help him save over $1,250,000 in taxes. Thus, allowing him to build his $400,000,000 empire. A businessman at heart, but a businessman who knows that family comes first.
