Despite the accolades, the post-retirement career, and the entertainment, something different makes Diesel special. While his accomplishments are diverse and spectacular, it is his generosity that sets Shaquille O’Neal apart. Even though knees deep in various charity events, the big man’s Christmas tradition remains a highlight on the list. However, this one comes from a special place, straight at the behest of his mother. As a result, the Los Angeles Lakers legend was ready to do whatever it took to make the dream a reality.

However, along with that idea, he also continued his fascination with his name. Hence, the name “Shaq-A-Claus”. Speaking to TMZ, the 51-year-old revealed the genesis of the idea. “I wish I could take the credit. All the credit goes to my mother, Dr. Lucille O’Neal. She was at an event one day…Because it was Shaq’s mom – there were supposed to be 500 kids, but 2000 kids showed up, and they told her what they wanted for Christmas.”

As a result, the author came to her son with a favor. “Baby, I need to borrow some money…I was like, ‘What’s wrong?’ She said I gotta buy some kids some toys. I asked, ‘How many?’ She said 2000. I was like, ‘You can’t do that. I’ll take care of it.'”

“So, I went to the U-haul. Me, Uncle Jerome, D Mac, Alex Scoop. We got about 5 U-haul trucks…Just Clean Toys, R Us Out…Ok, Mom, call the facility. You’ll get a chair and I’ll get a chair and we’ll just sit and we hand out the toys.” 

The tradition has been ongoing for 22 years now. This year, multiple cities will play host to the grand event. But, when asked, Shaq feels like it is a piece of a puzzle. To him, everyone needs to do their part to make the community a better place.

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Shaquille O’Neal has a road map for making the world a better place

The Event, in association with the Boys & Girls Club throughout the country, is coming to multiple locations. Georgia, Vegas, New York, LA, Baton Rouge. But, the Miami Heat legend’s goals are far loftier. “My dream is to do a 50-state Shaq-a-Claus Shaq-athon.” 

To him, the entire process is about giving back and making the world a better place. However, he can’t be the only one doing it for true change. “If every big-time person just took care of their, their spot…I think the world would be a better place.” 

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With a shopping spree worthy of a gigantic loadout, Shaq leaves no stone unturned. As a direct dream of his mother, one wouldn’t expect anything less from a legendary mother’s boy like the Diesel.