Shaquille O’Neal’s ambitions have kept him growing despite his retirement from the NBA over a decade ago. Many NBA athletes go broke after leaving the NBA, but Shaq has continued to evolve on his individualistic journey, earning him a massive fortune worth $400 million. However, despite his hefty net worth, Shaquille O’Neal once lost his close friend due to an ugly feeling of jealousy.

During the first episode of his docuseries, ‘From Shaquille to Shaq’, Shaquille O’Neal talked about his upbringing in a military environment, his struggles while growing up, and how he made it big with the Orlando Magic in the NBA. The Los Angeles Lakers legend talked about how his discipline-loving stepfather, former military sergeant Phillip A. Harrison, introduced him to basketball.

Moreover, Shaq shared how he established himself in the NBA with the Orlando Magic. O’Neal and former teammate Penny Hardaway led the Magic to the NBA Finals during the 1994-95 season. However, the Orlando Magic played in the finals for the first time. As a result, the more-experienced Houston Rockets beat them to take the championship.

Shaquille O’Neal lost a close friend at Orlando Magic

Despite the success of Hardaway and Shaq’s partnership, the duo lost their friendship over financial issues within the Magic team. In the first episode, Shaquille O’Neal revealed that Penny Hardaway was negotiating a contract renewal with the team. Therefore, the former Magic star sat out for a couple of games during the 1995-96 season.

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O’Neal claimed that he was fine with the four-time All-Star’s desire to be paid more for his services. Shaquille shared that he understood the marketing and business aspects of the game. The NBA Hall of Famer was already a millionaire and owned a mansion at that time.

Further, Shaquille O’Neal stated,?“You pay him $30 million, you gotta pay me $60 million. I created jealousies for myself.”

The four-time NBA champ admitted to harboring a feeling of jealousy due to the contract deals happening around him. He did a great job for the Magic since the moment he entered the league in the 1992-93 season. O’Neal won the Rookie of the Year award the same year.

Moreover, Shaq averaged above 29 during the next two seasons and led Orlando to the finals in 1995. Hence, he wanted to get paid more which led to a fouled friendship with his then-close friend Penny Hardaway.?

Shaq makes a confession

O’Neal confessed that if somebody had something, his internal thought would be to have it too. The Lakers legend said,?“If you had something, internally I know I want it.”

Shaq said that other players were getting deals worth $100 million and the Orlando Magic had offered him $80 million for four years. So, he decided not to renew his contract with the Magic and played out the injury-plagued 1995-96. After that, the 15-time All-Star signed a $121 million, seven-year deal with the Los Angeles Lakers.

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Despite being a wealthy young talent, Shaquille O’Neal lost his close friend Penny Hardaway due to his own ambitions.