Shaquille O'Neal was born on March 6, 1972, in Newark, New Jersey, United States. From a young age, he displayed a strong interest in basketball and rap music. His mother is Lucille O’Neal, and his biological father is Joe Toney. Toney struggled with drug addiction and was incarcerated for drug possession, which led to a limited presence in Shaquille’s life.
Shaquille was primarily raised by his stepfather, Phillip A. Harrison, a career Army sergeant, who played a significant role in his upbringing. Harrison passed away in 2013. During his youth, Shaquille often practiced and played at the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which he credited for keeping him off the streets and fostering his interest in basketball.
He attended Robert G. Cole High School in San Antonio, Texas, where he led his basketball team to a state championship. Shaquille then enrolled at Louisiana State University (LSU), where he emerged as a dominant force on their college basketball team. His performance at LSU significantly elevated his profile ahead of his professional career.
In 1992, Shaquille O'Neal entered the NBA Draft and was selected as the first overall pick by the Orlando Magic. He spent four seasons with Orlando, rapidly gaining recognition for his size, athleticism, and powerful play. In 1996, he signed with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he enjoyed eight highly successful seasons, including three consecutive NBA championships from 2000 to 2002. However, during the 2002 season, he suffered a toe injury, which led to multiple surgeries and affected his playing time.
Tensions with management over contract negotiations—particularly regarding salary demands—led him to leave the Lakers in 2004. He then joined the Miami Heat and contributed to the team’s success, helping secure an NBA championship in 2006. Shaquille continued to play through injuries but maintained a strong presence on court.
| Net Worth 2021: | 400 million |
