Shaquille O’Neal has always been known for his larger-than-life personality, both on and off the court. But beyond the jokes and the fame, Shaq’s generosity has become his signature move. From buying engagement rings for strangers to tipping waiters big, Shaq’s acts of kindness are as grand as his dunks. One such story involves his long-time friend and ex-Warriors star, Stephen Jackson, who found himself in a tight spot with the law. And as usual, Shaq stepped in—but in the most Shaq-eist way possible.

NBA champ Jackson recently appeared on The Big Podcast with Shaq and shared this story. He recalled being in court when the judge asked, “Would you please stand, Mr. Jackson?” Immediately, Jackson thought he wouldn’t get a chance to say anything in his defense. But then, the unexpected happened. “The judge picked up his phone, turned it around, and it was Shaq on FaceTime,” Jackson said. In that moment, everything changed. The judge dropped the charges right then and there. “It’s good to know people like Shaq,” Jackson added, clearly grateful.

However, when Jackson started giving Shaq his flowers, Shaq quickly shut him down. “Strike that from the tape. Don’t be telling them stories, man,” Shaq joked. But Jackson couldn’t stop praising him, insisting, “He looked out for me. I needed that. I wasn’t trying to go to jail.”

Their friendship was even more apparent later in the podcast when Jackson shared his top 10 NBA players of all time, with Shaq comfortably sitting at number five. Shaq, however, pointed out that big men like him often get overlooked for the GOAT conversation, especially when it comes to players like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

Jackson wasn’t having any of that, though. “I have five big men in my top 10,” he said, naming Tim Duncan at four, followed by Shaq, Kareem, Wilt Chamberlain, and Bill Russell. Shaq, naturally, was humbled and thanked Jackson for the recognition. And he also included Jackson on his list.

Shaq loves giving back

Shaquille O’Neal doesn’t just talk about giving back—he lives it. As Shaq puts it, “A lot of people describe it as giving back. I describe it as doing what you’re supposed to do.” Whether it’s buying a laptop for a stranger or paying for a fan’s engagement ring, Shaq loves helping others. But what stands out the most? Shaq never brags about it.

In fact, O’Neal credits his mother for instilling these values in him. “I had a meeting with my mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal, and she said, ‘Baby, you’ve done everything I’ve asked you to do. Now, just make someone smile every day,’” Shaq recalled during a conversation with PEOPLE.

In his show, when Jimmy Kimmel asked Shaq about his tipping habits, Shaq confirmed that he loves giving big tips. “When I’m at a restaurant, I am a big tipper,” he said, proving that even the smallest gestures can make a big impact. One lucky guy at Zales can certainly vouch for that.

Back in 2021, Shaq overheard him struggling to pay off an engagement ring. Without a second thought, Shaq stepped in and paid for the ring in full. Although the man initially refused, Shaq insisted. Shaq did not seem to ever bring it up himself. It was the video that went viral. And when he was asked about it on Inside the NBA, he concluded saying he is just trying to make people smile.