Many athletes have been blessed by the fortunes that the NBA showers on performance and success. However, only a few have been able to hold onto these fortunes and build an empire for themselves post-retirement. One such superstar who leads the handful of wealthy ex-NBA stars is Shaquille O’Neal. The four-time NBA champ has built a massive $600 million worth fortune for himself, following a dominating 19-year-long career in the NBA that ended in 2011. In fact, Shaq has established himself as a financial guru who has astonished the nation with his smart investments and lucrative business ventures. Surprisingly, a young Shaquille O’Neal could have lost all his wealth during his early days in the NBA. However, the Los Angeles Lakers legend was saved by a ‘smart dude’.

Shaquille O’Neal was known for his luxurious lifestyle during his early days in the NBA. He spent a great deal of money buying expensive houses, iconic cars, and jewelry. There have been instances when Shaq ended up giving away millions during his spending sprees. However, Shaq finally realized that he needed to save money to avoid getting broke. As a result, Shaq hired a financial expert that helped the Lakers legend build his massive fortune.

Financial adviser came to Shaq’s aid

In his 2011 book Shaq Uncut: My Story, Shaquille O’Neal shared that he and his mother invited a number of financial experts for interview. All of them had brought piles of brochures with them. However, one candidate named Lester Knispel did not bring any brochures with him, as per Shaq.

Meanwhile, the 15-time All-Star reckoned that Knispel mostly talked about potential investment options. He had a rather conservative approach during his presentation. Moreover, Shaq stated, “At one point he said, ‘We can learn together how this should work.” The Big Diesel added, “Here’s what made my mom fall in love with him.”

Shaq further revealed how his mother Lucille O’Neal grew fond of Lester Knispel. She was worried about Shaq’s finances and wanted to help her young son deal with his exorbitant amount of wealth. So, she asked all the candidates if they would allow her to take a look at the financial records. However, Shaq suggested that all her mother got were assurances and requests of trustworthiness.

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Surprisingly, when Knispel was asked the same question, he had no reservations about allowing Lucille O’Neal or Shaq to take a look at the books. Thus, Knispel’s transparency earned him a great opportunity to join the NBA legend on his financial journey.

Shaquille O’Neal praised Knispel’s wisdom

In the book, Shaquille pointed out that Lester Knispel allowed his mother to take a look at the books because he knew that the complicating numbers of financial records would disinterest Lucille O’Neal, and she would eventually start trusting Knispel’s advice. In addition, Shaq affirmed that it was exactly how it happened.

Moreover, Shaquille O’Neal shared why he liked Knispel as a financial adviser. Shaq stated, “I liked Lester because he was straightforward and very smart and not too slick. Not only that, he represented some rappers.”

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Fortunately, Lester Knispel came across Shaq at a bar where he shared valuable financial advice. The meet left a positive impact on the Lakers legend who later called Knispel for an interview. After the meeting with the Big Diesel and his mother, Knispel got the job and helped the NBA legend grow his wealth substantially.

The experienced accountant would later on save Shaq from a lot of financial loss, by teaching him about money, taxation and putting a check on his extravagant spendings.