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12 Years After Heartfelt Message on Ex-Wife Shaunie’s Child Before Marriage, Shaquille O’Neal Credited by Eldest Son for Kickstarting His Career

Published 06/22/2023, 9:50 AM EDT

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Shaquille O’Neal is not just a 4-time NBA champion. He’s also a loving father of 6. His ex-wife Shaunie already had Myles before she met the Lakers legend. Shaq, however, raised him as his own. Back in 2011, The Big Aristotle wrote this about Myles in his book Shaq Uncut, “My ex-wife, Shaunie, already had Myles when I met her, but he’s one of mine, as far as I’m concerned. He’s a very smart kid, a reader, a real thinker.” 12 years later, Myles partnered with a 160-year-old Cuban company, and he has his dad to be thankful for.

Interestingly, most of Shaq’s children are basketball players. In fact, his son Shareef O’Neal played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022 Summer League. However, his oldest son chose not to pursue an athletic career. Instead, he got hooked on another one of his dad’s professions and credited the basketball icon for his success in the field.

Shaquille O’Neal’s son is securing the bag without the ball

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As an all-time great with a long and illustrious NBA career, Shaq had all the tools to unlock his children’s basketball potential. But as a father, he ensured that no matter the path, he would support and mentor his children so they may be successful as adults.

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26-year-old Myles O’Neal recently sat down with OK! Magazine to express how much Shaq’s guidance meant to him. After securing a collaboration with $5.5 billion worth Bacardi, the young performer took the opportunity to thank his father for helping the DJ hone his skills.

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He explained, “I got into the world of deejaying through my dad.” During his DJ Diesel stint, Shaq brought Myles onto his team as a stage manager, allowing the young man to experience the joys and struggles of deejaying first-hand. Shaq didn’t just give Myles a chance because he was his son, but because he truly believed in him.

WATCH THIS STORY: “Papa, I Miss You”: Shaquille O’Neal’s Daughter Sad on Father’s Day Due to Major Missing

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From walking on runways in 2017 to performing his DJ set at Miami E11even this year, Myles is very much following in his father’s massive footsteps.

Shaquille O’Neal and his music Career

As fans, it’s hard not to remember Shaq’s imposing posters and blocks. But many might not know that the Big Diesel is the only NBA player to go platinum with a record. From hip-hop to electronic music, the 7’1 legend has done it all. He even has a song with the great Biggie! It’s hard not to appreciate Shaq’s innate talent as a performer as he sold out his music shows just like he sold out NBA arenas.

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It seems that despite being one of the best NBA players of all time, Shaq’s legacy off-court will be equally impressive. It’s exciting to see Myles O’Neal start his illustrious career, as it only makes us more curious about what the O’Neal family can achieve.

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Written by:

Aakash Nair

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Aakash is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He closely follows the NBA and enjoys playing the game of basketball as well. His favorite team is the Denver Nuggets, mainly due to star Center Nikola Jokic’s style of play and persona.
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Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth