When you are the son of NBA Legend and Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, all eyes will be on you. This was the case for Shareef O’Neal. Living up to his father’s legacy, he was ranked among his class’ top high school basketball players at Crossroads School in Santa Monica. Now, after playing for UCLA, LSU, and the NBA G League Ignite, his next move is a big one.

Most recently, LeBron and his son made NBA history by being the first father-son duo to play on the same team. While this did not happen for Shaq, his son is slowly rising up the ranks. Moreover, it is a refreshing sight to see which team his son signed on for.

On social media, his mother and Shaq’s ex-wife, Shaunie Henderson, posted, “I’m so proud of you @shareefoneal I can’t even talk about this without crying.” She continued, “I prayed for this day. I prayed that you would never give up, that you wouldn’t be discouraged. I know you had some doubtful days but you consistently pushed through.” Beside it was the headline that Shareef had signed with the Kings. This would be the Sacramento Kings, which his father was a minority owner of from 2013 to 2022.

Shareef has had an interesting journey in his basketball career that is much akin to his father, Shaquille O’Neal. Starting at the age of 13, he was able to dunk, hence beginning his training. His professional career started in 2022 when he joined the Los Angeles Lakers’ NBA Summer League in 2022. Following this, he signed up as a veteran player with the NBA G League Ignite. While he did sign with the Kings on October 18, 2024, it was waived till the next day.

Shaquille O’Neal expressed jealousy over LeBron’s personal achievement

As mentioned earlier, LeBron and his son Bronny etched their names in the NBA’s history book when the two were paired on the same team. While this is a crowning achievement for King James, Shaq did admit he was salty about it on an episode of his podcast.

He said, “I strive off professional jealousy. Jealous a little bit.” He continued, “I would have loved to have that title first. So now that we got that out of the way, I’m happy for Bron.” Bronny was the Lakers’ second-round draft pick. He also played in the team’s summer league competition in Vegas. While there was heavy backlash after the announcement, many NBA Legends, including Shaq himself, supported the decision.

During the NBA Media Day, the father-son duo held a press meeting together in their respective Laker jerseys. Shaq openly said, “Little Bronny is my nephew. I’m happy for him. I wish him well,” when asked his thoughts on the draft pick. While the next generation of players will carry on their father’s legacy, Big Man Shaq also added he was always open to advice regarding the intense scrutiny that follows players when they start young. Now, we wait to see how the King reacts to O’Neal’s happy news.