Following his mother’s divorce, Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal gives his parents credit for his success in basketball and other areas of his life.

The NBA star Shaquille O’Neal, also known by his stage name “Shaq,” is a symbol of achievement and prestige, but not much is known about his parents.

On March 6, 1972, Lucille O’Neal and Joseph Toney welcomed Shaq into the world. Of the three children, he was the eldest.

Despite not having a biological father, Shaq was raised by his mother Lucille and then by her husband Phillip Harrison.

Let’s review what Shaq has previously stated regarding his parents, particularly his biological father, with whom he later reconciled. When Shaq was born, his mother Lucille was just 17 years old. Shaq was raised by Lucille alone after his father, Joseph Toney, was detained for drug possession and check forgery.

She frequently had to work multiple jobs at the same time as a result. Despite her struggles, Lucille instilled in her kids a strong work ethic and a desire to succeed.

She also assisted Shaquille’s basketball career and final achievement by motivating and mentoring him during his participation in the game. Later in life, Lucille got to know Phillip Harrison, an army sergeant. Shaq and his three brothers saw Phillip as a father figure after she married him.

So, it comes as no surprise that upon entering the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal brought his mom and stepfather on board, generously providing his mom with a $750,000 income. ‘The first order of business was adding ‘Shaq’ to the payroll, ensuring both my mom and dad were taken care of. We also had a dedicated fan support team,’ Shaq shared with AfroTech in 2022. ‘I set them up with an office and a car, and their pride was immeasurable.’ ‘Joining the army remains the best day of my life.’Shaq openly credits his stepfather, Philip, for instilling in him the love for basketball. While the NBA wasn’t initially his dream, witnessing Julius Erving play at Madison Square Garden alongside his friend Philip inspired him to pursue a career in basketball.

Prior to that, Shaq was described as a troubled kid who initially leaned more towards football. With Shaq’s real father absent, Philip evolved into more than just a father figure for him.

Over the years, the NBA player and DJ has reflected on the profound impact his father had on shaping the person he is today. Phillip passed away in 2013, and during a speech at All-Star Weekend in 2022, Shaq shared, ‘He’s the one who told me one day I’d be here.’ ‘I was a high-level to medium-level youth offender, and everyone told me I’d never make it. He persuaded me that I should do well in school… ‘Sir, this is what I want to be when I grow up,’ I tell him. His exact words were, ‘If you listen to me, I’ll make you one of the most powerful big men ever.’

Joseph Toney, Shaq’s biological father, spent almost six years in jail, leaving his family behind. After his release, Shaquille and his mother Lucille moved to Germany with Lucille’s new partner, Philip Harrison, who was in the army.

Numerous sources suggest that Joseph didn’t attempt to contact Shaq and Lucille for years. Philip Harrison had prevented Joe from reuniting with his son Shaq and ex-wife. It wasn’t until Philip’s death that Joe could finally try. Shaq told Dr. Phil that he met his father for the first time when he was 44 years old.

‘I don’t judge. When he was young, he ran into some trouble. I don’t judge him. I don’t blame him,’ he told the host of the talk show. ‘My goal now is just to get to know you as long as we’re both here. I’m not a judge or a juror. All I have to do now is love him as much as I can.’

Shaq, who has six children of his own, has always emphasized how crucial his parents were to him as a child. The savvy businessman and well-known sports figure conveyed to a group of kids that he amassed his considerable wealth by listening to his parents.

‘Do you know how I got $900,000,000?’ Shaq said, ‘Just by listening to my mom and dad.’ ‘Always pay attention to what your parents say. Got it? I’m not kidding. I’m not playing. Alright? Don’t tell anyone else what I told you. Don’t forget what I said.