NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal came from very humble beginnings. His mother, Lucille O’Neal, conceived him immediately after high school. As a teenage single mother, Lucille struggled a lot and was not able to continue her education. Even after marrying drill sergeant Phillip A. Harrison, Lucille could not get back to school as she had to take care of her children while working multiple jobs. Dr. Lucille recently opened up about her struggles with alcoholism when her son entered the league. She also stated how Shaq helped her to be on the right track by paying for her education.

Now, the four-time NBA champion talked about some of the things that his mother had to go through while he was growing up. Shaq is grateful for all the sacrifices his mother had to make during his childhood.

Shaquille O’Neal on his mother’s sacrifices

In the latest episode of the Big Podcast with Shaq, Shaquille O’Neal, and co-hosts, Nischelle Turner and Spice Adams discussed the controversy surrounding Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant. O’Neal stated that it was a poor choice from Morant to flash a gun on Instagram Live. Turner asked the Los Angeles Lakers legend to give “Unc” advice to Morant to deal with the situation. Shaq noted that the reigning MIP has to think about the “higher power” before taking any questionable action. He clarified that he was not talking about god but was referring to Ja’s mother.

The Los Angeles Lakers legend added that he would never do something that will result in his mother losing her house. He then talked about the sacrifices of his mother, Lucille O’Neal. Shaq said, “I see my mama work two-three jobs. Wear the same damn outfit to all her office parties, and have all the ladies laugh at her because she had to sacrifice for my clothes, my brother’s, sister’s clothes.”

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The 2000 NBA MVP added that he has done a lot of things, however, the best he ever felt was when he bought his mother a house that they couldn’t even afford. He advised Morant to think about his mother and her sacrifices to raise him.

Lucille O’Neal opened up about her past issues and revival

Lucille O’Neal recently spoke at the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy Odyssey luncheon. During her speech, she touched on her hardships as a teenage mother. She then talked about her trouble with alcoholism. Lucille stated that she spent a lot of her son’s money on alcohol after he entered the NBA.

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However, she also had an undying desire to go back to school. So Shaquille O’Neal helped his mother revive herself by paying for her tuition. Lucille graduated in 2003 with a degree in business administration after enrolling in an adult education program. O’Neal continues to inspire people every day.