Shaquille O’Neal’s impressive $500 million net worth didn’t just happen overnight—it’s a result of smart moves both on and off the basketball court. And according to Shaq, the advice that set him on this path came from none other than Magic Johnson. “The first time I met Magic, he pulled me aside and said, ‘It’s OK to be famous, but you want to start owning things.'”

That advice has clearly paid off. Recently, the 4x NBA Champion shared a glimpse of his latest venture—though it’s not as colossal as his other investments, there’s a deeper meaning behind it. In a YouTube short, Shaq unveiled his new $12 million luxury condo in Mexico City. “I kept it small, ’cause I don’t really come here a lot,” he explained, showing off the sleek 1-bedroom space.

But what the apartment lacks in size, it makes up for in style. The view from his master bedroom is nothing short of breathtaking, with a stunning panoramic view of the entire city. “I think it’s the top floor of the building I invested in. I invest in real estate; you know this is how we live in Mexico.”

While Shaq is enjoying his new digs south of the border, he hasn’t always had the easiest time with his real estate ventures. Take his massive Florida mansion, for example. The NBA legend spent three years trying to sell the property. Originally listed for a jaw-dropping $28 million, Shaq finally sold the estate for $11 million—a staggering 60% discount. Even though some investments may not have gone exactly to plan, Shaquille O’Neal continues to build his empire, following Magic’s advice to own, invest, and keep growing.

For the same, Shaquille O’Neal was in Canada, in September at the 40th Keyspire Investors’ Summit in Toronto, Ontario. The Los Angeles Lakers legend explained that he will be helping investors by sharing tips on how to invest in real estate. So, apart from the Mexico purchase, let’s look at his recent real estate investments.

Shaquille O’Neal and his investments in the West Coast

In 2022, through The Chexy Trust, who have handled the real estate transactions for the Lakers legend, bought a home in Carrollton in Collin County, Texas. Realtor Zac Gideo posted on Instagram about helping Shaq find a new home. His reason for purchasing in Dallas was very practical just like Mexico’s purchase.

“Dallas is my midway point when I have to go do business on the West Coast.” So the 15x All-Star added another property earlier this year. This time in Rockwall County, which was listed at $1.7 million and is a 4670-square-foot place that also includes a 500-square-foot pool house.

So, that’s how he turned his wealth post-NBA season, with smart investments and not just big investments. Because he had to sell the Florida mansion at a loss, it made sense why he was unwilling to spend anything near to $30 million on any property. But that might change quickly if Shaq finds something worthy of his style. After all, he purchased 2 cyber trucks back to back after promising he wouldn’t add another after the first purchase.