The Big Aristotle has often stated that he doesn’t want to be a mentor to NBA players. From his vast basketball knowledge to his savvy business ideas, there’s a lot that Shaquille O’Neal could pass on to the next generation. Yet, it seems he isn’t keen on accepting the title of ‘mentor.’ Interestingly, he has taken on that role for his niece, Angel Reese. Though the two aren’t related by blood, the Los Angeles Lakers legend has a deep affection for Reese, whom he considers like his daughter.

In the recent episode of Unapologetically Angel, the 4x NBA champion was asked why he doesn’t mentor NBA players. In response, he explained that he doesn’t feel like mentoring players who are now earning significantly more in the league than he did.

“I don’t like. It’s hard to mentor somebody that’s making more money than you,” Shaq said. He added, “It should never be about the money but I have all the answers to the test because I’m one of the reasons why you’re getting what you’re getting.” O’Neal further reflected on how NBA greats from the past paved the way for future generations.

He noted how his idol, Julius ‘Dr. J’ Erving, opened doors for Magic Johnson and Larry Bird, who then did the same for Michael Jordan. Shaq shared how he handled his own major contracts by setting aside a portion of his earnings to ensure financial stability later in life, and acknowledged how players today have more freedom and security, thanks to the work laid by previous NBA stars.

Johnson’s popularity attracted more attention to the NBA, with many people claiming that his rivalry with Larry Bird saved the NBA from possibly dissolving. Then came His Airness. Jordan’s Nike deal introduced business opportunities for athletes, leading to even bigger deals. Today, we see stars like Jayson Tatum sign a 5-year, $315 million deal with the Celtics, while O’Neal earned just over $290 million in his 19-year career.

“I made it possible for Kobe and DWade and LeBron and then those guys are making it possible for you. And Steph are making it possible for y’all like I’m so jealous of the players,” O’Neal further added. That might be the single reason why he’s more than happy to mentor the Chi-Town Barbie.

Shaquille O’Neal is happy to be a mentor for his seventh child

From the court to the business, Shaquille O’Neal has consistently guided Reese. The WNBA star has often expressed gratitude for O’Neal’s mentorship, “both on and off the court.” During the same podcast, the Big Aristotle confirmed his role as a mentor to Reese and took the opportunity to shut down critics who had negative things to say about their relationship.

“Shaq is Angel’s mentor, he would never even cross that line with her,” O’Neal said on the podcast. But Reese isn’t the only one O’Neal has guided. Although he’s hesitant to label himself a mentor to NBA players, the Lakers legend has always been a source of guidance for young stars. He played alongside Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and LeBron James. 

The history he created with Bryant and Wade is well-known, and it’s clear that O’Neal’s mentorship was instrumental. Wade has often shared how O’Neal taught him the business side of sports. 

“I’ve helped mentor. I can help you get to that next level. You forgot I played with Penny? You forgot I play with Kobe? You forgot I played with D Wade? Ask them about me,” the Los Angeles Lakers legend once said after netizens criticized him for speaking harshly about certain players.

Even when Reese mentioned other young talents who admire O’Neal, he expressed his willingness to mentor them as well. Whether on his podcast or Inside the NBA, the 52-year-old shares his wisdom and motivation in the best way he can.