Shaquille O'Neal is one the most dominant players in NBA history, but also one of the smartest. The Big Diesel always liked to have fun, but he knew that money isn't made to just spend it. Instead, he took the most advantage of his popularity, became a very marketable player, and made the most money he could.
The Los Angeles Lakers legend then used all the money he made and made it grow, stacking up millions and millions. Right now, he's reportedly worth $400 million, which makes him one of the richest NBA players ever.
Money never sleeps and Shaq is well aware of that, which is why he entered the business world and made some moves that paid off. Right now, he owns several companies, even the ones you don't think have something to do with a former professional athlete.
At the start of this month, Dunk County and NBA County recalled named some of the businesses Shaq owns. It's impressive what he's done with his money during all these years, and he's not stopping.
According to NBC Sports, the Big Diesel has a big collection of businesses that secure him a juicy paycheck at the end of the month.
He is the joint owner of 155 Five Guys Burgers restaurants, 17 Auntie Annie's Pretzels restaurants, 150 car washes, 40 24-hour fitness centers, a shopping center, a movie theater, and several Las Vegas nightclubs.
Moreover, Shaq himself admitted that he owned more companies, clarifying that he doesn't like to mention them since people can take it as he's bragging. Talking with Earn Your Leisure, the 4x NBA champion said:
"I don't like to seem like I'm bragging, but I'm going to ask you a question. Who owns Marilyn Monroe? Who owns Elvis Presley? Who owns Forever 21? Who owns JCPenney? Me!" Shaq said.
He's done a lot of things and not everybody realizes how hard this is and the discipline and intelligence it takes to become this wealthy. Shaq, nevertheless, keeps working as an analyst and making commercials every time he has the chance. The 2000 NBA MVP succeeded both on and off the court. That's how he's been able to help so many people and give back to those less fortunate.
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