Shaquille O’Neal Names NBA Star Used as Example to Motivate Sons Shareef & Shaqir

Being kids of the 4x NBA Champion and pursuing a career in the public eye is never easy. Ask the youngest children of Shaquille O’Neal as they are currently representing different Florida teams in their NCAA career. As any parent would do, the Lakers legend has shown up to their games. But recently, he shared his parenting secret on his podcast. And explained how he provides encouragement and clarity of thought to his children. To help them understand better, he used an example of a 25-year-old All-Star.

“He (O’Shea Jackson Jr.) says something very important: Internal fire. You know, and I try to tell my kids to saying, that like I try to motivate Shareef and Shaqir.”

In the latest episode of The Big Podcast, Ice Cube’s son was a guest. That’s when the topic of celebrity kids and their journey was discussed. That’s when the former Center explained how he motivates his sons: By setting a target, such as Luka Doncic’s mega contract deal. Reason? That would serve as a blueprint to elevate their overall strategy. 

“But I try to tell them like for example I said Luka Doncic on his next contract gonna be making 90 million. Now if you half as good as him, that’s 45 million. Now if you half as good as that, that’s 20 million. Get it cracking!” 

Shaq, who wants his kids to be “nice and smart” and not “another basketball player” also spelled out his one advice to them, “You don’t have to play basketball. However, you’re gonna be doing something. But if you do it, make sure you do it to its fullest capacity. Make sure you enjoy doing it.”

The Mavs star is on track to earn a max extension from the franchise. His current contract is worth around $215 million, and during the next season, the reported number is close to $100 million.

With the rising NBA salary cap, and the recent media rights deals, plus Luka Doncic’s performances, he would be earning $87 million in 2031. In ’32 that would become $94 million and in the following year, there is a huge possibility that the contract reaches three digits.

Clearly why Shaquille O’Neal used the Dallas superstar as a reference point for his kids. Interesting, right? And even though they might not get the same amount, they could easily break down their goals and strive towards them. But O’Neal’s advice does not end on his own kids.

Shaquille O’Neal also had advice for the Slovenian superstar

Time and again, The Big Aristotle has often stated that he doesn’t want to be a mentor to NBA players. His reasoning for it is very simple, that today’s players earn more than he ever did.

Yet, provides his guidance indirectly to the players just like he did to Luka Doncic. On ‘The Pat McAfee Show’, in September, Shaquille O’Neal opened up about how the former Real Madrid player could construct his contract.

“Luka is about to get $100 million, If I was him, I would say, ‘Okay, just pay me $20 million this year and defer that $80 million, just defer it to when I’m done playing.”

The Lakers legend continued, “Because you know that $80 million is not gonna be $80 million after taxes. Just pay me $20 million, and the other $80 million after taxes just put it away. I don’t wanna see it till I’m 35.”

As per the suggestion from Shaquille O’Neal, Luka Doncic should defer a significant portion of his earnings until after retirement. Thus ensures long-term financial security. Because those taxes would drastically reduce the 5x All-Star’s take-home pay. But the deferred large portion of salary would further provide more opportunity to grow his wealth.