Hall of Fame Makes Official Statement on NBA Legend Shaquille O'Neal

O’Neal recently came to watch Howard play in a BIG3 game. The former Los Angeles Lakers superstar took the opportunity to explain his long-standing beef with Howard.

According to O’Neal, the only reason he heavily criticized Howard over the years was to motivate him. The 53-year-old compared Howard to the likes of Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade and Anfernee Hardaway, who O’Neal believes “play at a higher level” when they’re upset.

O’Neal revealed that he and Howard had settled their differences after they “finally had a heart-to-heart talk.”

"As a leader, sometimes you have to find different ways to motivate youngsters,” O’Neal said. “And that’s all I did. He’ll be at the Hall of Fame in a couple of weeks... I will be there."

It was previously revealed that NBA legends Patrick Ewing, Robert Parish, Dennis Rodman and Dominique Wilkins would be Howard’s presenters for his Hall of Fame induction ceremony. O’Neal was not initially listed as a presenter, but it has now been officially confirmed that he will come to support Howard for this once-in-a-lifetime event.