Shaquille O’Neal Offers $10 Million for Operation in Jealousy Despite Failed Career

Four NBA championships, and a $500 million net worth—you’d think Shaquille O’Neal would be contented with whatever he has. But despite everything, even Big Diesel has moments where he looks at someone else and thinks, I wish I could do that. And in this case, it’s not about money but about a rare talent—one that belongs to comedian Godfrey. Makes sense, considering Shaq has boomed as a DJ. But despite his hilarious antics, he hasn’t had much success in comedy, whether on the stage or in movies.

Appearing on The Big Podcast, Godfrey stunned Shaquille O’Neal and his co-host Adam Lefkoe with his uncanny ability to mimic almost anyone. As he rolled through his impressions, Lefkoe couldn’t help but joke about Shaq being jealous for once. The playful jab hit home when he asked the former LA Lakers star how much he’d pay for that skill. Without missing a beat, Shaq responded, “10 million… If I can go to a laboratory right now, we switch voices, I’d give you [Godfrey] 10 million cash. Would you take it?”

Of course, Godfrey played along, humorously agreeing to the imaginary deal and even giving Shaq a quick tutorial on impersonating Howard Cosell. Surprisingly, Shaq’s attempt wasn’t half bad, earning laughs and admiration from Godfrey and Lefkoe.

But let’s be honest, this isn’t the first time Shaquille O’Neal has admitted to feeling a twinge of envy. He has earlier expressed his desire that he wish he could shoot like them, Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson. And who could forget his candid confession about LeBron James? “I’m jealous of Bron. He’s almost a billionaire, and I’m not.”

Here’s the thing, though—Shaq doesn’t let envy consume him. Instead, he uses it as fuel. When he thought about life after basketball, he worried about being forgotten. That fear pushed him to secure his legacy in a way few have. Inspired by icons like Elvis Presley and Marilyn Monroe, Shaq ensured his name would endure.

Partnering with Authentic Brands Group, Shaq didn’t just license his name; he invested in their vision. “They wrote me a big cheque; I wrote them a big cheque,” he explained. The deal ensures Shaq’s brand will thrive long after he’s gone. But then there are some areas where Shaq cannot do much, but just be jealous. And on the other end was once again LeBron James.

The time when Shaquille O’Neal admitted being jealous of Bron and Bronny James

O’Neal has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind. And his recent confession about LeBron and his son, Bronny, was no different. Imagine being one of the greatest players ever but still feeling the pain of professional jealousy. That’s exactly what Shaq admitted during The Big Podcast with Shaq.

O’Neal opened up about how he feels seeing LeBron and Bronny making history as the first father-son duo to share an NBA court. “I strive off professional jealousy,” Shaq shared. “I’m jealous a little bit. My son was in that position. Life is all about titles. I would have loved to have that title first.”

But Shaq wasn’t bitter; he was proud too, calling LeBron “like a nephew.” You can feel his mix of admiration and longing. So it’s clear how Shaquille O’Neal, like most humans, is prone to jealousy. He does not let the feeling get the better of him. If anything, he tries to use it to his own advantage.