Shaquille O’Neal Admits Not Getting a Chance to Hug His Sister or Kobe Bryant Before Their Death Changed Him Forever: “I Broke One of My Rules”

One of the kindest people in the world of basketball is Shaquille O’Neal. His random acts of kindness and charity initiatives need no introduction. Recently, he announced the free screening of ‘ The Queen of Basketball’ to honor Lusia Harris.

Talking in an interview regarding the movie, he revealed how the death of Harris and Kobe Bryant changed him as a person.

What changed Shaquille O’Neal?

The death of Kobe Bryant had affected Shaq deeply, as was evident from his farewell speech for Kobe. Another death that affected Shaq was that of Lusia Harris.

‘The Queen of Basketball’ is a documentary revolving around the life of Harris and Shaquille O’Neal serves as the executive producer for the same. Talking in an interview regarding the documentary, he revealed how Harris’ death affected him.

Shaq said, ” It’s just a phenomenal story. I got a call last week regarding her passing, and it’s sad to me because after Kobe and my sister passed away, I broke one of my rules. I said to myself that when I want to do something or see somebody or reach out to somebody, I’m going to do it every day.”

He added, ” I talked to her and I’m like, I’m going to come and see you after this and after this, and I didn’t even get a chance to hug her. It kinda hurts me. So to everybody out there watching, if you wanna call somebody and say you love them, do not wait till the next day.”

These words by Shaq give us a glimpse of his softer side, one which gets unnoticed many times.

READ MORE: Shaquille O’Neal Reveals His Kids Don’t Look Up to Him but Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant: “My Kids Wear Kobe’s Jersey”

Shaq to honor Lusia Harris

Born on February 10, 1955, Harris brought about a change in the world of basketball. She scored the first points in the history of Olympic women’s basketball in 1976. Moreover, she is the only woman to be officially drafted by an NBA team.

The New Orleans Jazz officially drafted Harris in 1977. Despite being selected, she refused to try out owing to her pregnancy at that time. 

Harris passed away aged 66 on January 18, 2022. Shaquille O’Neal decided to honor her with a very special gesture. He announced the free screening of ‘The Queen of Basketball’ a documentary revolving around the life of Harris.

Talking to Deadline, he revealed his plans of screening the documentary across theaters in Los Angeles. The free screenings will take place across 5 theaters in LA. 

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