NBA icon Shaquille O’Neal once made a jaw-dropping $1.3 million car purchase after a snide remark from a dealership employee.
Renowned as one of the greatest basketball players in history, ‘Shaq’ clinched four NBA championships and donned jerseys for renowned teams like the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Cleveland Cavaliers.
Despite boasting a staggering net worth of $400 million (£350 million), O’Neal had initially set a budget for his car shopping spree. However, when a salesperson questioned his ability to afford the vehicles he was interested in, it ignited a fiery response from the towering 7-foot-1 center.
Recalling the incident on Drink Champs, O’Neal recounted, “I didn’t want to spend $400,000 on a car, so I’m like, ‘Hey man, how much is this?’ Finally, the old guy says, ‘Yo man, you’re asking about all these cars, can you afford them?’
Now I’m p*****d. I said, ‘What the f*** did you say to me?’. So I bought three, that one, that one, and that one and I want them dropped off. Move the seat back. I got three Rolls Royces that I never drive. So there goes another million.”
O’Neal’s generosity isn’t confined to himself. He once gifted LeBron James a Rolls-Royce and recently collaborated with West Coast Customs to revamp his own vehicle. Despite his vast wealth accumulated from basketball and various ventures, the 51-year-old remains adamant about instilling grounded values in his children.
He stresses the importance of education to his kids, asserting that while he may be rich, they have to earn their success. O’Neal’s children are encouraged to pursue Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, and if they seek investment in their ventures, they must pitch their ideas persuasively.
Addressing his approach on the Earn Your Leisure podcast, O’Neal emphasized, “My kids are older now… I tell them all the time. We ain’t rich. I’m rich.
You’ve got to have Bachelor’s or Master’s [degrees] and then if you want me to invest in one of your companies, you’re going to have to present it… bring it to me, I’ll let you know. I’m not giving you anything… There’s one rule: education.”
