NBA Legend Shaq Was Raised By Teen Mom Who Fueled His Success: 'Can't Outplay Me Because If You Are, You're Taking My Mother's House Away!'

Standing at a towering 7'1," Shaquille O’Neal is widely recognized as one of the most dominant players in NBA history. However, one person brings out his softer side: his mother, Lucille O'Neal. 

In various interviews, Shaq has openly credited his mom as his driving force, but his comments on the "PBD Podcast" in 2022 show just how deep that motivation runs.

Don't Miss:

• Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? – How does it compare to the average?
• How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you? Tax deferring is their number one strategy.

Shaq shared a story on the podcast that perfectly illustrates his mother's influence on his competitive fire. "So when I'm playing, I'm on that court, you can't outplay me because if you are, you're taking my mother's house away and I can't have that. So I will damn near kill you before I let you take my mother's house away," he said. This isn't just about winning but protecting the woman who sacrificed so much for him.

See Also: This billion-dollar fund has invested in the next big real estate boom, here's how you can join for $10.

Lucille O'Neal was just 18 when she had Shaq, her first child. Raising him and his siblings as a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for the family. Shaq never forgot those early years and he's made sure to give back to his mom. Early in his NBA career, Shaq bought her a house for $1 million, a gesture he later described as an "affordable mistake." That act was a testament to his gratitude and love for the woman who raised him.

Shaq has been open about how Lucille's strength and resilience shaped him throughout his life. In a 2019 television appearance on Today, she praised his dedication to family, saying, "Shaquille was the one that helped me with them and now he's the eldest. … He takes good care of the family, so he's setting a standard for the rest of them and has always done that."

Trending: Studies show 50% of consumers think Financial Advisors cost much more than they do — to debunk this, this company provides matching for free and a complimentary first call with the matched advisor.

Shaq's mom ensured he stayed grounded, even as he became one of the biggest stars in sports. During an appearance on "The Draymond Green Show," Shaq shared a moment that put things into perspective for him early in his career: "When I first got drafted, I was making a lot of money and I took my mom to a restaurant and I was acting big willy, I was acting like I was the s***," Shaq recalled. His mom, unimpressed with his flashy behavior, didn't hold back. "My mother was disappointed and she said, ‘Son, it costs you nothing to be nice.'" 

Shaq admitted, "I dropped the arrogant thing because coming from where we come from, we didn't have anything and now I got it, so this is my world, you gonna do what the f*** I want, all that attitude."

Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion – they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends

Lucille O'Neal has always been more than a guiding light for Shaq – she's been his reason to stay focused and push through challenges. Her impact on him is evident in how he carried himself on and off the court.

Shaq's need to ensure his mother is cared for was a factor in his legendary work ethic. That drive, rooted in a desire to honor his mom, helped him build a reputation as an unstoppable force on the court.

The legend has built a massive financial empire with an estimated net worth of $500 million. His investment portfolio is diverse and includes stakes in various franchises such as Five Guys, Papa John’s, Krispy Kreme and his fast-food chain, Big Chicken.

Read Next:

• Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they’re on pace — here’s a breakdown on how on what’s behind this formula.
• A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10 — you can become part of the next big real estate boom today.