The Big Aristotle is receiving some intriguing business ideas. Just recently, Shaquille O’Neal teamed up with a confectionery brand to launch the delicious gummies, Shaq-a-licious. He went above and beyond with promotions, yet he has been getting consistent requests to make changes to the gummies. Not to forget, these suggestions could help the $500 million worth basketball legend add a few more millions to his name. However, the Los Angeles Lakers icon will likely remain firm in keeping the product limited to a specific customer base.

That’s the business idea. In the latest segment of The Big Podcast with Shaq, Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson proposed a collaboration with Shaq and Hershey’s. When Jackson was asked about the taste of the gummies, he suggested, “It was good. Just needs some THC in it, that’s all.”

To expand Shaq-a-licious’s customer reach, Matt Barnes quickly suggested a collaboration for All The Smoke Shaq gummies. However, Shaq’s silence seemed to give away his answer. The Lakers legend wants to keep the product kid-friendly. He has received similar offers from fans as well.

The All The Smoke podcast hosts have been big supporters of the usage of w*ed for athletes to deal with certain situations. In fact, Jackson once revealed that he smoked throughout his NBA career, something which helped him. However, O’Neal has always put his customers first.

While there’s no doubt this collaboration could bring substantial business for O’Neal, even possibly becoming a multi-million idea, the biggest kid in the store wants to keep the candies “for the kids.”

Currently, the gummies come in two unique variations, each with flavors honoring iconic moments from Shaq’s career, such as “Shamrocks” and more. Apart from this strict business policy for the gummies, there’s also a personal story that connects O’Neal to this product.

Shaquille O’Neal’s childhood connection with gummies inspired Shaq-a-licious 

The brand has yet to release any details on the sales of the XL gummies. However, considering the responses on social media, it likely generated decent business. Regardless of the sales, it’s unlikely that Shaq will make any changes to the flavors. He was actively involved in the gummies’ production and appeared satisfied with the results. From the shape of the gummies which are molded to Shaquille O’Neal’s head and flavors, everything was the Lakers legend’s idea.

Another reason that may have held O’Neal back from making changes is rooted in his inspiration. Growing up in Germany, he was surrounded by gummy bear factories, and this intrigued him when Hershey’s approached him for a collaboration. Candies and gummies have been part of his life more than we know. 

“Candy was my way of knowing that I was doing good,” O’Neal said about the candies that his father would give him. “My father would give me a dollar or two, and we lived on a post where they didn’t charge tax, so I was probably able to get two to three more. Always chocolate and, living in Germany, always gummy bears.” the Los Angeles Lakers legend said. 

O’Neal’s Shaq-a-Roni and the Burger King Shaq Pack are still quite popular with fans. Showing a little patience for “Shaq-a-licious” only seems right for O’Neal.