Tales of athletes owning ridiculously expensive things are not rare in the NBA. With salaries reaching new highs, players often resort to extravagant measures to accommodate their expensive lifestyles. One such NBA legend known for his love for expensive things is Shaquille O’Neal. The four-time NBA champ liked to have expensive stuff, including cars and various accessories, during his NBA days. However, the Los Angeles Lakers legend once made a revelation about his exotic tastes when it came to pet animals. Back in 2015, $400 million worth Shaquille O’Neal admitted to owning two rare white tigers during a promotional event.

While most athletes end up spending their money within a few years of their retirement, Shaq has built a $400 million fortune for himself. O’Neal had a great interest in art and entertainment since his playing days. He released his own rap videos and was featured in various Hollywood movies. However, Big Diesel developed a taste for smart investing and growing his own business.

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Shaq pivoted from spending ridiculously to saving money and investing in lucrative ventures. As a result, he became one of the richest personalities in the NBA. However, he still likes to spend huge amounts of money on things that attract him.

Shaquille O’Neal once admitted to owning rare white tigers

Shaquille O’Neal made a shocking revelation about one such exotic purchase. Back in 2015, Shaq admitted to owning two rare white tigers during the promotion of the NBA 2K16 video game alongside Stephen Curry, Anthony Davis, and James Harden. The 15-time All-Star shared that he purchased two white tiger cubs in 2005.

Moreover, Shaq also claimed to own a horse that threw him off when he tried to ride it for the first time. An inside source reckoned, “He said he hadn’t tried to ride again, but he still owns the horse.”

The grown white tigers are housed on a farm in Jacksonville, Floria and an expert named Tiger Dave’ reportedly takes care of them.

Shaq’s exotic pets

Shaq has shared his love for tigers on numerous occasions. He also shares pictures of his fully grown tigers sometimes on social media.

Apparently, the Lakers legend also owns a ‘Liger,’ a mixed breed of a lion and a tiger. He named the liger after his close friend Charles Barkley aka Chucky.

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His love for tigers also earned Shaq an appearance in the renowned Netflix series ‘Tiger King.’ Thus, Shaquille O’Neal’s immense love for tigers led him to buy his own big cats.