G League is more than a minor league basketball for the NBA. Now, it is an essential step in the development of young players and rookies who want to showcase their talent. It gives them the platform to show their teams they were correct in drafting them or signing them to a contract. It also provides opportunities for the player to keep grinding.

Recently we have seen many players showing it out in the G League before moving out and making their mark in the NBA too. The most recent example is that of the surprise of the season for the Golden State Warriors, Jordan Poole. But how do you tackle the expectations when your father is a basketball legend and one of the greatest players ever?

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Shareef O’Neal, son of Shaquille O’Neal, is currently playing for the Lakers affiliate team in the G League. After he signed his contract with the Lakers, he said he expects to be with the Lakers when the season starts. But an old video shows us Shareef is aiming for that and much more. In the 2017 video, Shareef’s then trainer James Hunt talks about Shareef, his goals, and much more.

James said, “ Shaq’s influence is real big huge obviously he is playing the game his father had dominated…Shareef has told me several times you know I wanna be better than my father.. this is the only time I have worked with a kid where his father was as that dominant in that sport.” He further said, ” I would never tell a kid oh, you are never going to be better than your father. I encourage him to be.”

Shaq and his Lakers legacy

Matching up to his dad’s legacy will not be easy for Shareef. Shaq had a legendary career with the Lakers. He signed with them in 1996 and stayed until 2004. During that time, they dominated the western conference.

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Along with Kobe Bryant, Shaq won three straight NBA Championships from 2000 to 02.

For his efforts in those Finals, Shaq also won three NBA Finals MVPs. He also won regular-season MVP and the league scoring title in the 1999-00 season with the Lakers. Let us know in the comments below your favorite Shaq memory in purple and gold.