Shaquille O’Neal recalls ‘boat-buying’ competition with rich kid neighbor during COVID lockdown

Shaquille O'Neal hilariously got into a wealth flexing competition with a rich kid, during the COVID lockdown.

Shaquille O’Neal recalls ‘boat-buying’ competition with rich kid neighbor during COVID lockdown

Shaquille O'Neal also owns a real boat. (Image via TMZ)

Shaquille O’Neal, apart from being a Bonafide NBA legend, is also a genuine entrepreneur. With a net worth of $500 million, Shaq has established a legacy independent of basketball as well. The kind of wealth he has amassed means that he is more than capable of buying any luxury that his heart might desire.

During the COVID lockdown, while most of us were grappling with cabin fever, Shaq found himself engaged in a boat-buying battle with a wealthy neighbor that would make even the most extravagant spenders blush. The NBA legend recounted the story with his trademark humor and candor, during a recent appearance on his The Big podcast.

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He said:

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Us, black people, we know how to bring it all the way up to. I got a big house in Orlando. They aint say shit about the lake. They dont say anything about the lake. When I say the lake was motherf***ing packed everyday. There was this rich kid who would show up with a huge boat everyday. I got another boat, so this motherf***er bought another bigger boat. He got a bigger boat. I bought two different boats just to f***ing compete with this kid everyday. 

The tale unfolded on the serene waters of a lake near Shaq’s residence, where his rich kid neighbor flaunted his extravagant vessel day in and day out. Not one to be outdone, Shaq decided to up the ante by purchasing not one, but two boats to compete with his neighbor’s ostentatious display of wealth.

Shaquille O’Neal has a net worth of $500 million

But the story didn’t end there. In a twist worthy of a Hollywood blockbuster, Shaq’s neighbor responded by acquiring an even larger boat, leaving Shaq to marvel at the audacity of his rival’s one-upmanship.  While the boat-buying competition may have been a lighthearted diversion during uncertain times, it offered a glimpse into the kind of extravagant purchases that he regularly makes. 

Shaq is one of the richest NBA celebrities around. (Image via Complex)

A four NBA Champion with 15 All-Star selections, Shaq’s impact on the game is undeniable. However,  his entrepreneurial prowess and larger-than-life personality have made him a marketing powerhouse. With endorsement deals ranging from Reebok to Pepsi, Shaq’s earning potential knows no bounds—even in retirement, where he continues to rake in an estimated $60 million per year.

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