Having Faced a Failed Marriage and Rift With “Brother” Like Teammate Kobe Bryant, Shaquille O’Neal Tells Son Shareef the Hard Reality of Life

Shaquille O’Neal has lived a successful life. In the NBA as well as in retirement, Shaq has lived a full life. Shaq is a guy who has learned a lot from life. He leaves no chance to shed that wisdom that his career and retirement have given him to his children. Shaq is never adamant about any of his children to play basketball. He has always asked them to follow their own passion.

But with a couple of his sons deep into the game, Shaq is absolutely 100% supportive of them. Shareef, Shaq’s elder son, has often learned a lot from his father and he will continue to use all that in his life.

“You have to take it, son. He’s such a nice kid, gotta take it. I say you’re in the summer league team. There’s 14-15 guys that want your spot. So there only gonna be 2 of y’all come out of that. So make sure you outplay 15 guys. He has been through a lot. I am proud of him, no matter what he does.”

“But I tell him all the time, just my job to encourage him, but I’m not worried about my kids following my path. My path was crazy. Nobody will ever be able to follow my path,” Shaq said of his son Shareef, comparing his own legacy and path with his son’s future.

WATCH THIS STORY: Height comparison between Shareef, Bronny and other star kids.

Now, obviously, Shaq had few bumps in the road in his life like any other individual. It was not always happy times and smooth sailing. Shaq had a rough marriage by the time it came to an end. But he still respects his ex-wife. And he accepts his mistakes in that relationship.

He has always been very outspoken about that. Shaq still shows love and admiration for the person who was obviously a large part of his life. Another relationship that had dents in it was his brotherhood with Kobe Bryant.

Shaquille O’Neal and Kobe Bryant’s brotherhood

Having won a three-peat with Kobe Bryant through the years 2000-2002, Shaq and Kobe’s time at the Lakers ended in a rift. There was a power struggle between two of the biggest stars in the league at the time.

Shaq left the Lakers in 2004. But both the legends always considered each other brothers, even when they were on comparatively bad terms. After they both retired, they sat down with each other and talked everything out. Shaq and Kobe were always brothers, even when there was a rift.

With everything he does, it is visible he enjoys every moment to the fullest, and that is evidence of a guy satisfied with what he has done over the years. Having said that, Shaq is not a guy who doesn’t address his mistakes and flaws.

ALSO READ: When Shaquille O’Neal Admitted That a 21-Year-Old Kobe Bryant Was the GOAT

For a man that big in size and stature, he is very humble. Shaq has a heart of gold. If it wasn’t proven with his generous philanthropy, then he leaves no chance to accept his mistakes over the years. That’s what makes everyone love Shaq.