The Big Aristotle’s kids have learned more than a few things from their father. While some (Shareef, Shaqir, Me’arah) have gravitated toward basketball, others (Taahirah, Myles) have pursued music and business. After a stop-start basketball career, though, Shareef has now moved to the business side of things with his dad. However, Shaquille O’Neal‘s eldest son recently claimed that it was his father who took on the most interesting trait from him. Is that even possible?

Shareef O’Neal sat down with Clutch Points yesterday for an interview. While the full interview is yet to be released, their Instagram handle teased how the former NBA G League player is just as funny as his father, Shaquille O’Neal. Shareef reshared the post on his Instagram and claimed that the Big Aristotle had stolen his sense of humor. “He gets it from me,” the 24-year-old wrote on his IG story.

Now, this seems highly unlikely. The Los Angeles Lakers legend has always had a distinctive personality and sense of humor. Shareef may just be a more updated version of his father when it comes to comedic flair. In a previous interview, Shareef also revealed how he declared for the NBA Draft despite his father’s warnings. The 4x NBA champion wasn’t in favor of Shareef going pro before finishing college. 

Though he disagreed with the decision, O’Neal later shared how proud he was to see his son play in the G League. “Man, it was good. I set high standards like what my father set for me. He’s working hard,” O’Neal said.

After the G League, Shareef wanted to head for Australia, which was a 16 hour-flight away from where his parents lived. It was tough for Shareef, but it was his final decision. That was until his father O’Neal stepped in. He asked his son to take up the responsibility to help uplift Reebok. 

Shaquille O’Neal handed a big responsibility to Shareef O’Neal

While Shareef wanted to go overseas to “try something new,” his father was not too sure about his son moving so far away. So, Shaq had an idea. The 52-year-old was named the President of Basketball Operations at Reebok in 2023. In an urge to rebuild the brand, the Los Angeles Lakers legend sought his son’s help.

“He’s like, ‘Can you do me a favor this year? Can you help me rebrand Reebok? I’ll let you help redesign the shoes… redesign the clothes and help sign players. I really need your help,” O’Neal told Shareef. Reebok used to reign supreme in the 80s but Michael Jordan helped Nike not just eclipse them, but go out of reach. Before bringing O’Neal back on board as President of Basketball Operations and Allen Iverson as the VP, Reebok was on a downward spiral.

This is when the 6-foot-10 forward changed his mind and stayed to help his father rebuild the brand. The father-son duo will now be hoping to take Reebok back to the top. Nonetheless, Shareef hasn’t left his passion, basketball behind. If it’s not his odd jokes, O’Neal’s kind acts have always made people smile.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.