The way the O’Neal siblings come through for each other is different. Shaquille O’Neal took his responsibility as the eldest of four very seriously. Encouraged by his father, Philip Harrison, Shaq grew up as a protector and provider for his three younger siblings. It’s a sentiment Lateefah and Jamal acknowledged on Raising Fame too. But in typical sibling style, O’Neal’s little bro and sis claimed they were ready to pick up his slack at a moment’s notice.

Shaq’s childhood was revisited on the latest episode of Raising Fame where his mom, Lucille O’Neal, took a break from hosting duties to be the guest. Lucille spoke about raising her four kids, Shaquille O’Neal, Ayesha Harrison, Lateefah Harrison, and Jamal Harrison with an obvious emphasis on her famous eldest. But Lucille highlights that all her kids were special.

The show brought back that epic moment Shaq gave his sibs a shoutout in his Hall of Fame speech in 2016. Showcasing the O’Neal teamwork, Shaq said, “My sister Lateefah was my VP of dishes, my sister Ayesha was the Chief Operating Officer of bed making and my brother Jamal was my director of leaves.”

Talking about that occasion, Jamal said, “he always dreamed about being up there. So when he made it, kind of felt like we did too.” With Lateefah agreeing next to him, Jamal further said, “it was just all just a family thing, so it wasn’t really nothing different.”

Before anyone comes at him for implying Shaq’s stacked career was nothing, he meant it differently. The family has been united through everything, including the highs and lows of their brother’s career that they felt they weren’t outsiders to. “It wasn’t just his dream, it was all ours dream.” And they also shared the same motivation to take care of the family as Shaq did. “‘Cuz if he didn’t make it then one of us was going to and we was all going to take care of each other… that was how it was from the beginning.”

It sounds both funny that Shaq’s siblings were ready to lace up and outdo him the second he slipped as well as endearing they all feel passionately about providing for the family. O’Neal has always credited his late (step)father for teaching them to put family first.

Before he was a $500 million rich NBA legend and entrepreneur, O’Neal prioritized his younger siblings’ Christmas presents and birthdays. At present, he’s in a better position to take care of them. His siblings, though, are also willing to take on that load.

The O’Neal siblings are as talented as Shaq

Shaq’s siblings live a lowkey lifestyle but have always shown the picture of unity. They also supported each other through their sister, Ayesha’s untimely passing. O’Neal feels protective over them, especially his sisters. So he would not share the burden of taking care of the family with his younger siblings.

They’re willing though and capable of it. Lucille conveyed on the show that her late husband raised all four of their kids as outstanding athletes. Lateefah and Ayesha played volleyball throughout their student life. Jamal was a basketball player like his brother.

After a season in L.A. City College in 1998-99, Jamal also attended LSU after Shaq and was a walk-on to the Tigers team. He wasn’t a center though. At 6’6″, he played forward while his brother dominated in the NBA.

Shaq’s siblings, however, didn’t pursue pro-sports. But Lucille takes great pride that all her kids are responsible and united.