13 Years After Parents’ Divorce, Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Admits “Best Friend” Secret

Me’Arah O’Neal, the youngest daughter of Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie Nelson is the latest basketball sensation in the O’Neal household. Although only 16, she is already a huge basketball prospect and has offers from top colleges like UCLA. Shaq married Shaunie in 2002 and due to discrepancies in their marriage, the two filed for a divorce. Following their divorce in 2011, Shaq’s six kids have mostly spent their time with Shaunie. However, Shaq has also fulfilled his duties as a father.

Shaunie shares a special bond with her children and especially her youngest daughter, Me’Arah. During a recent feature story on Me’Arah, she talked about her relationship with Shaunie and the influence she has been on the 16-year-old’s life.

Shaq’s youngest daughter divulges a special secret about her mother

Shaunie Nelson played an important role in Shaquille O’Neal’s life. After all, she parents five kids with the Los Angeles Lakers legend. After their divorce, their kids lived with their mother and naturally, she was a big influence on them.

During a recent feature story on Instagram, Me’Arah O’Neal, and her coach were interviewed. After talking about growing up with an NBA legend father and other aspects of her life, O’Neal talked about her mother. 

Me’Arah O’Neal said, “She’s everything to me. Everything that she’s done, she’s taught to me, not only me, but everyone in the family. And being around her everyday, that’s like my best friend, so I just learned everything from her.”

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Moreover, she also took a subtle dig at her father. Shaq Diesel was infamous for his performance from the three-point line and this is exploited to date. Me’Arah O’Neal boldly claimed that she is better at shooting than her father. Interestingly, this is not the first time Shaq’s kids have mocked his shooting.

Shaquille O’Neal was once mocked by his own sons

If it isn’t evident enough, basketball runs in the O’Neal family. Shareef O’Neal already plays in the G League and his younger brother, Shaqir, is also on his way to becoming a basketball star.

A few years ago, Shareef posted an in-game photo with Shaqir on Instagram and took shots at his own father! He posted a sarcastic comment which was aimed at Shaquille O’Neal’s terrible free throw shooting record. Interestingly, Shaq defended himself in the comments and this post also drew a reaction from LeBron James.

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What is your favorite memory of Shaquille O’Neal? Let us know in the comments down below.