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via Getty

via Getty

It seems like the Phoenix Suns are drowned in controversy for the past few weeks. However, amidst all the tension, former LA Lakers player Shaquille O’Neal gave a helpful piece of advice to Deandre Ayton. The seven-foot Suns player has been in a dispute with the team’s coach Monty Williams.

In the latest episode of his podcast, the Big Aristotle advised Ayton to rather concentrate on his game and aim to buy a big house for his mother.

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Shaquille O’Neal has always been vocal about his close relationship with his mother, Lucille O’Neal. Having been born to a single young mother, Shaq has always had a special bond with his mother. Although Shaq’s biological father was out of the picture, his stepfather, Phillip Harrison, raised Shaq as his own child. In an episode of Be Better Off Show, Shaq said that his dream was to be capable of buying stuff that his parents needed.

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Shaq recalled the time he and his mother were riding through an affluent neighborhood. His mother slowed down and pulled over in front of a house. He said that although it was not a really big house, he could see his mother admiring the house. Shaq worked hard to fulfill his mother’s dream and gifted her a house that was worth $1 million.

Shaquille O’Neal gives an uplifting suggestion to Deandre Ayton

Shaquille O’Neal’s mother has always been a constant motivator to him. He once said that the reason he works hard is that if he didn’t, then his mother would lose the house that he gifted her. Knowing that the Phoenix Suns star Deandre Ayton has been going through some issues, the Diesel passed along a little motivation to Ayton.

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Deandre Ayton is on non-speaking terms with the Suns’ coach Monty Williams. Apparently, the two were involved in a verbal dispute. Williams had reportedly benched Ayton during the semifinal game between the Suns and the Dallas Mavericks. The game took place on May 16, 2022, and Ayton has not spoken to Williams since then. Shaq advised Ayton to concentrate on the games, earn money and buy a house in the Bahamas for his mother.

“He just needs to play. He don’t need to worry about who’s calling him or who’s texting him. You got that new money, go Bahamas, get your mom a new house on the water,” said the former Los Angeles Lakers star.

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Do you think Ayton will take Shaq’s advice and get his issues sorted before the regular season starts? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!