If you thought Big Diesel and The Glove were epic together, they don’t compare to their ex-wives when they get together. Shaunie Henderson’s and Monique Payton’s friendship is for the books. They bonded when they were in the Lakers WAGs circle and have been inseparable. The connection extends to their kids too. Shaunie is both aunt and godparent to Gary Payton’s kids and grandkids. And she’s not above flexing it. Especially as her ‘nephew’ makes big career moves.

Gary Payton’s son, Gary Payton II (not to be confused with his other son, Gary Payton Jr.) just took his player option to see his contract with the Golden State Warriors through. He made a vaguely celebratory post hyping his commitment to the Dubs nation. It got not only fans’ attention, but some famous friends and honorary family.

Shaunie was in the comments declaring, “My nephew is better than yours!! PERIOD!” Can’t deny that! Her excitement is reminiscent of the time the Warriors re-signed the Young Glove in 2023. She wrote on Instagram, “This trade made my whole day ! Love you nephew!” last year. It was incredibly heartwarming. but the uninitiated were surprised by her unexpected ‘relation’ to GP2.

On the surface, the connection goes as deep as GP2’s dad being Shaquille O’Neal’s teammate. His mom, Monique James stars on Basketball Wives, the Vh1 series produced by Shaunie Henderson. But it goes a little deeper than that.

Shaunie and her husband, Keion Henderson, are godparents to Gary Payton’s grandson, Jacoby Deuce, through his daughter Raquel. She gushed over Jacoby’s christening last May. She even declared the two-year-old a better basketball player over his pro grandfather and uncle.

But that’s not even the surface. The Paytons are so close to Shaunie that they earned a mention in her memoir, Undefeated.

The origin of Shaunie’s relationship with the Paytons

Shaq and Gary were teammates twice on two different coasts and Shaunie has been around for most of GP2’s childhood. It started in 2003, when Senior Glove arrived in Los Angeles with Byron Russell. Back then Shaunie had a hard time fitting in with the other Lakers WAGs. Determined to be different from them, she threw a welcome party for the Paytons and Russells.

Shaunie went all out too, as she revealed in her book. She planned separate menus for adults and kids. Monique appreciated it and their lifelong friendship began from there.

Shaunie proudly states Monique’s adult kids call her ‘Auntie’ and she’s her grandson’s godmother. By extension, her best friend’s kids get the same support as the O’Neal kids from Shaunie.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us in the exciting pilot episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and SEC All-Freshman Team Selection, Silas Demary Jr.