If someone is unfamiliar with Shaquille O’Neal and his exploits, it is quite easy to be deceived by the 7’1″ frame of the former NBA star. While Shaq’s robust, powerful dunks show his savage side on the court, the 51-year-old is a completely different person off the court.
Shaquille O’Neal’s imposing stature might initially suggest a furious personality, but stories reveal a kind and generous heart. One such instance showcases his support for a Los Angeles Lakers player, demonstrating his unexpected depth of compassion.
One Shaquille O’Neal phone call changed Smush Parker’s career
Smush Parker’s animosity with Kobe Bryant was not much of a subject of secrecy. Kobe openly criticized Parker in an interview for not being good enough for the NBA and that made clear how things were between the duo. Parker even mentioned in the “Pablo Torres Finds Out” podcast how the late Lakers legend told him not to socialize with him until he got enough accolades under his belt.
During an interview with DJ Vlad, Smush Parker talked about his encounter with Shaq and how he selflessly helped the former Lakers guard. He met the Big Diesel at the New York nightclub, who was also not on good terms with the 5-time NBA champion back then. Speaking to Parker, Shaq got to know that he is a free agent with no knowledge about his future in the NBA. Shaq, being a kind-hearted person, chose to help Parker. O’Neal made a call and the next day a two-year deal landed for Parker. The former Lakers guard said, “He made a phone call and the next day I had you know, you know, a contract on the table with the Miami Heat”. Although he couldn’t play at the Heat for too long due to his injuries.
Shaq and Parker bonded because of their friction with Kobe, who unknowingly played a huge role in landing the deal for Parker.
Shaq offered to help former NBA star in tough times
Like his on-court achievements, Shaquille O’Neal has won many hearts with his kindness too. He tried to help his closest college mate and former NBA player Stanley Roberts with a pile of cash around two decades ago.
As per reports, when Stanley was unemployed and was not playing for any NBA franchise, Shaq invited him over for dinner and gave him the cash in an envelope, which the former turned down. He was hell-bent on helping him, but it was futile, as Roberts had already made up his mind.
After years, Shaq again met his friend at his DJ set. Seeing him, all the past memories flushed down and the 4-time NBA Champion presented him in front of his audience. But shortly after that, the former Clippers center sneaked out of there. O’Neal followed Stanley’s car and expressed his desire to gift Stanley a truck. Like old times, he turned down Shaq’s gift.
