Shaq has 'professional jealousy' over LeBron, Bronny teaming up
Seeing LeBron James and Bronny James make history as the first father-son duo to play together on an NBA team has stirred up some jealous feelings for Shaquille O'Neal.
On the latest episode of "The Big Podcast with Shaq," O'Neal admitted part of him wishes he had the opportunity to play with one of his sons in the NBA first.
"I strive off professional jealousy," O'Neal said. "Jealous a little bit ... I take things that make me mad, and instead of hating, I use it to motivate me.
"My son was in that position. Life is all about titles. I would have loved to have that title first. So now that we got that out of the way - I'm happy for Bron. He's always at the crib, playing with my boys. He's like a nephew to me. He's going through a lot. He just needs just to continue to have fun and play, and things will work out ... I'm happy for him. But on the professional jealousy side, I wish that was me and Shareef or me and Shaqir. But I'm happy for Bronny, and I'm happy for LeBron, and I wish them well.”
O'Neal's son Shareef was part of the Los Angeles Lakers' 2022 Summer League roster after going undrafted but failed to land an NBA contract. His youngest son, Shaqir, is currently playing college basketball at Florida A&M.
LeBron and Bronny took the court together for the first time in the Lakers' 118-114 preseason loss to the Phoenix Suns on Oct. 6.