Shaquille O’Neal’s staggering $500 million net worth isn’t just something he decided overnight. It’s the result of smart moves and following advice from one of the greats. “The first time I met Magic, he pulled me aside and said, ‘It’s OK to be famous, but you want to start owning things.’” It was this suggestion that molded Shaq’s financial path. Even his $12 million condo in Mexico, his latest monetary move, was an indirect outcome of Johnson’s words. And just like the LA Lakers’ icon’s crucial role, Shaq is now hoping to adorn the same for someone else.

During an October 24th episode of ‘Unapologetically Angel’, Shaq joined forces with the host and his niece, the Chi-Town Barbie. As they discussed basketball, first impressions, and LSU, Agel Reese had to bring up her Unc’s view on NIL now.

The 4x champion hasn’t been a big fan of it, opining that they are only becoming reasons for pressure on the kids these days. He curbs a little on that view today, not being a spoilsport in the excitement student-athletes may hold, but he wouldn’t leave without advice.

“I’m happy for these kids. I just hope they’re smart with it,” he shared. If Shaq were in their position, being offered say $3 million, he says he would break a million to his parents, keep $500 thousand for himself, and put the rest away. This would keep him hungry. “And just go out and get more NIL deals, more NIL deals.” But Shaq also points out that one shouldn’t be blinded by little money when in need of it and rather strive for a sum they are capable of.

USA Today via Reuters

“Sometimes when you get the little money, when all you want is money, you forget about the big money… like why be tripping off a million when you get a 100 million,” he says on the podcast. So know your worth and remain hungry for more. And he’s right. Building an empire of $500 million would have never been possible if he was chasing a couple of dollars. And it’s not as if he never stumbled.

Shaq had to be kept in check and not just once

Since collegiate athletes are around 18-19 years old on average, looking at millions for the first time can be overwhelming. Having been one of them herself, with a NIL valuation of $1.8 million Reese notes, “a lot of people aren’t mindful with their money.” Now considering the million-dollar empire Shaq has come to manage, she picks his brain. “How long did it take for you to get like that?” she asks.

The Big Diesel relives a story to let her know that he was quite mischievous himself and that it was his father who disciplined him. “He [Shaq’s father] would see things, think about me, and be sure to teach me right away.” Shaq respected him and feared him, which kept him in check. But the success and the money would get to his head during his early years in the NBA and then, it was his mother who brought him back down.

“My mother was disappointed and she said, ‘Son, it costs you nothing to be nice,” Lucille O’Neal had said after he took her to a restaurant and acted like he was the s—. It put things into perspective for him, having grown without much, requiring sacrifices from his parents. So he is more mindful now, but not stopping from grabbing whatever he deserves.