In 2022, even after retirement, Shaquille O’Neal remains one of the most successful NBA players. This extends to his off-court lifestyle, which has earned him millions through deals and investments. However, the LA Lakers legend surely did not start off like that.

As per the four-time NBA Champion, the first million he received were spent a bit haphazardly. Eventually, though, O’Neal learned.

Shaquille O’Neal reveals how he spent $1 million

O’Neal was earning well even before he started playing with a team. Though this was way before his NBA career took off, making a million was a big deal for young Shaq.

During a recent interview with Brian J. Roberts, O’Neal discussed his first big paycheck. While there were some random purchases involved, O’Neal admitted to being unaware and with no financial guidance back then. As a result, he simply asked his agent who would keep 15% to deposit the money in his bank.

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While O’Neal got only 675,000 in the end, he was unaware of how tax and other details worked. “So, you get a call from your agent, ‘hey, I got a million dollars’. I’m like, ‘cool’. But you forget to subtract the 15% that the agent’s going to get. That leaves you 850 (thousand). So you really net 675”.?

O’Neal admitted to putting the money in the bank and then heading out to the Mercedez-Banz dealership to get himself a car. “As soon as I get home my dad was like, ‘man, that’s nice. Where’s mine at?’. So in my head, I’m like, okay. A million minus 150”.?

They even got O’Neal’s mother another car. Additionally, O’Neal also leased a penthouse (for around $36000 a month) and bought some jewelry and suits for the NBA Draft.

Eventually, his bank manager called. He explained how much money O’Neal will actually receive and asked him to read a book about starting businesses. In the end, the 50-year-old ended up educating himself more.

What is O’Neal’s net worth?

As per Celebrity Net Worth, O’Neal is currently worth $400 million. Moreover, endorsements, investments, and even real estate have been a huge part of O’Neal’s net worth. Today, while working as an analyst with Inside the NBA, O’Neal continues to solidify his legacy.

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That being said, O’Neal has also earned $292 million while with the NBA, which is a long way from the first million he made. His success off the court has stuck, his worth only rising after retirement. Looking ahead, one can only expect more investments from his side ? a complete contrast to the young athlete spending recklessly on Mercedes.