Big Diesel was one of the most dominant players on the hardwood. Most of his success came in Los Angeles, where he and Kobe secured a fabled three-peat with three Finals MVPs for Shaq. And one would imagine that’s enough to make him a top 5 Lakers player. Right? Unfortunately, Jeanie Buss, owner of the franchise, disagreed. She recently dropped a list of the franchise’s most important players and one name was notably missing. Shaquille O’Neal.
Just over a week after the infamous snub, Shaq finds himself betrayed once again. Only this time, it was from his own daughter!
Whom did Shaquille O’Neal’s daughter choose over him?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Shaq has been one of the most successful athletes of all time. He has won 4 NBA championships, 3 NBA Finals MVPs, and 1 league MVP. However, his success doesn’t seem enough to inspire his daughter, who plays in the CyFair Elite. Shaq’s 17-year-old daughter, Me’arah O’Neal, confessed to not considering the Los Angeles Lakers legend as her inspiration.
When asked about who she considers the biggest influence in her career, Me’arah happily ditched her father, as reported by ‘Kentucky’. She said, “Definitely my brother Shareef. I’ve spent pretty much half, majority of my life, watching him. So pretty much his game and a little bit of a tweak of mine.”
While the statement is astounding, it also points to a heartwarming connection between the siblings.
A few days ago, Shaq pulled up to the Nike Nationals CyFair Elite where his beloved daughter was playing. Me’arah is the 35th-ranked prospect in the class of 2024. As her father was in attendance, the young hooper put up a show for everyone to enjoy. She dropped 21 points with 12 rebounds and stole the show.
Shaquille O’Neal wanted his daughter to be a little mean
During an episode of The Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal admitted that he is more gentle when it comes to his girls. A very protective father, Shaq has also stated that he would “torture” his daughters’ boyfriends and that he was looking forward to meeting them in the future. Surely, the boyfriends are not looking forward.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Read More: 600lbs Fighter’s Jaw-Dropping UFC Violence Leaves 7ft Giant Shaquille O’Neal Shocked
But he added during the podcast that he wanted Me’arah to be a little ‘mean’ growing up. He wanted her to be ruthless on the hardwood, just like a real basketball champion. Going by the latest response from the 17-year-old star, Shaq might have had his wishes fulfilled.
To be fair, nobody has been safe from Shaq’s snubs. From LeBron and Giannis to most recently, Boston Celtics’ forward, Jayson Tatum. Could this be how Big Diesel gets a taste of his own medicine?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
What do you think about Me’arah O’Neal’s comment? Let us know in the comments below.
Watch This Story: “Third Splash Brother”: Shaquille O’Neal, AKA DJ Diesel, Who’s Only Made One 3-Pointer In His NBA Career, Stuns Everyone With An Insane “Steph Curry” Moment