The summer NBA draft did not go well for Shaquille O’Neal’s son Shareef. The former LSU power forward went undrafted in the NBA 2022 Draft after deciding to drop out of college. In fact, he chose to pursue the NBA dream like his father. Shareef O’Neal signed a summer league contract with the Los Angeles Lakers in July. However, the 22-year-old had very few pro options left after the end of his contract.

Shareef talked about the effects of his decision on his family during a recent interview with ESPN. The younger O’Neal talked about a massive disagreement with his father Shaquille about his decision to enter the NBA draft last summer. Shaq was not onboard, and Shareef decided to drop out of LSU against his Hall of Famer father’s wisdom. Fortunately, Shareef was able to make his father understand his perspective bringing the whole family closer.

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Despite having four children together, Shaquille O’Neal and his ex-wife Shaunie Henderson decided to call off their marriage in 2009 after seven years. Shareef and his siblings were deeply affected by the separation while growing up. It was hard for Shaunie to work together as a co-parent with Shaquille. However, the former couple eventually got along for the betterment of their kids. In July of this year, Shaunie got married to pastor Keion Henderson.

Shaquille O’Neal supports Shareef despite disagreement

Shareef revealed that the moment of confrontation with his father brought them closer. Shaq eventually supported Shareef’s decision to go pro and helped him find a spot at the NBA G League Ignite. Shareef recently made his debut with the Ignite on October 6. Shaq told Shareef that he would support his son no matter what. The younger O’Neal said, “He’s helped me a lot through these past few months. I think it made us closer than ever. I feel like my whole family got even closer.”

Shareef also gave an insight as to how being away from the game for more than a year and a half due to his heart condition played a crucial role in his decision. His family and coaches advised him to stay in school. However, Shareef decided to bet on himself and try his luck in the NBA drafts this year. Although things did not turn out quite as he had expected, Shaq was there to support him during tough times.

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The father-son moment seems to have acted like glue to bring the family closer again after Shaq and Shaunie’s divorce.