Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most dominant players ever to don an NBA jersey. His brute strength, ability to finish strong at the rim, and post-game savvy were enough to catapult him into the pantheon of the greatest. During his 19-year career, he added 4 NBA titles to his trophy cabinet, in addition to countless individual honors.

His dominance, however, wasn’t just limited to the realm of hoops. Shaq has consistently made waves off the court ever since hanging his jersey. His powerhouse attributes are also evident in the corporate world. The 7-footer has become a successful businessman, as seen by his many investments and business endeavors.

Despite Shaq’s prowess in business, though, another Laker icon once outmaneuvered him in negotiations. On “The Big Podcast,” O’Neal discussed how Jerry West was able to convince him to leave the Orlando Magic and join the Lakers. Orlando had every intention of resigning Shaq; however, West’s negotiating acumen convinced the big man to don the purple and gold.

“I got a call,” Shaq said. “You need to go to the hotel now. It was Jerry West. Never met Jerry West before, and I was like, ‘What’s going on?’ Jerry West said, ‘You want the good news or the bad news? I said, ‘What’s the bad news?’ He said the bad news is, ‘I know you’ve been asking for 150 (million dollars), I can’t get you 150.”

“I said, ‘What’s the good news?’ He said, ‘I can get you 121,’ and I was like, ‘121 what?’ He said, ‘I can get you 121, and you’ll be the highest-paid ever. I said, ‘Where do I sign?'” he added.

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Jerry West was the ultimate negotiator. He brought Kobe Bryant and Shaq together in a striking way, forming one of the most fearsome duos in NBA history.

Shaquille O’Neal is a master negotiator in his own right but in the business world

Jerry West outwitted Shaquille O’Neal on this occasion. The big man, though, is a master negotiator in his own right. Glimpses of his negotiating acumen may be seen in his multiple business ventures. He has become a successful entrepreneur through a string of intriguing investments and hugely profitable ventures.

Shaq is valued at a staggering $400 million. When he retired from basketball, he understood that money does not sleep. That is why he joined the business field and made some wise choices. In fact, he has made more money off the court than he did in his entire NBA career.

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The former Laker owns 155 Five Guys Burgers and 17 Auntie Annie’s Pretzels restaurants. He also owns multiple car washes, 24-hour fitness centers, a shopping center, a movie theatre, and many nightclubs. Shaq previously admitted that he owns multiple other businesses but does not want to bring them to light since it may be perceived as bragging.

Shaq enjoyed tremendous success on the hardwood. He continues to show his dominance off the court and serve as an inspiration to the world.