Shaquille O’Neal made an instant mark in the NBA. He has several people to thank for his journey to the NBA and for becoming one of the greats. The most important one is Lucille O’Neal, his mother. Shaq’s mom was just 18 years of age when he was born.

O’Neal was a notorious kid during his youth and often got words of wisdom from his mother or stepfather. In fact, Lucille herself confessed that, at times, she had to discipline Shaquille herself.

Shaquille O’Neal was not always on track to reach the NBA. Often the road got dark for him, and his mother’s words helped him. Shaquille went on to become a four-time NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. He became one of the most feared centers in the NBA and wrote history with Kobe Bryant. Shaq won the league MVP in the 1999-2000 season.

It is no surprise that Shaquille O’Neal is tall and strong. He reached his gigantic size before entering the NBA when he was in his teens. It is difficult to imagine that Shaq was disciplined by his mother when he was built like that! Lucille put emphasis on how communication is important for discipline. She taught Shaq how to work hard and achieve his goals.

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At times, Lucile would feel that Shaquille was not on track to reach his potential. Those were the moments she would look to disciple Shaquille O’Neal. This may include scolding or even violence against the big man.

How would Lucille discipline Shaquille O’Neal?

Shaquille O’Neal is among the greats, like Michael Jordan, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Kobe Bryant. His mother Lucille is vastly responsible for his up-brining.

About his upbringings, Lucille said, “We tried to raise Shaquille the best way we knew how, but there were times when we worried he was not going to turn out the way we hoped. With Shaquille and with our other children—Ayesha, Lateefah, and Jamal—what was important was that we communicated with each other.”

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The Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat icon has found himself in the Hall of Fame and in the rafters for his historic contribution to the NBA.

Lucille O’Neal emphasizes communication and prayer

Shaquille O’Neal’s mom revealed her approach to parenting Shaq. She spoke about communication and prayer instead of just ‘whooping’ Shaquille.

She said, “We talked to Shaquille instead of just whooping him all the time. Now he got some whoopings, good whoopings. But there comes a point in time when you have to stop whooping them, and you got to start talking and doing plenty of praying.”

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Shaq has truly turned out the way she envisioned and has helped several other mothers and their families with his charitable work.