Shaq explains why he didn't retire sooner: 'My motivation was always being able to give my mother what she wants'

"The Diesel's" devotion to his family is well-documented. Raised in a tight-knit household, he often credited his mother and stepfather, Phillip Harrison, for shaping his discipline and work ethic. His dedication extended far beyond basketball, but basketball gave him the platform to fulfill his purpose.

Calling it quits

Even as younger, more athletic players emerged in the league, the four-time champion pushed himself to remain competitive. In 2006, while playing for the Heat, he won his fourth NBA title, proving he could still perform at the highest level. By this time, however, he acknowledged that the game was changing.

After stints with multiple teams toward the end of his career, the center realized that he could no longer match the speed and energy of the younger generation. It was a moment that all athletes eventually face, and for him, it signaled the need for something new.

Despite his enduring love for the game, the Lakers legend eventually retired in 2011, following a brief season with the Celtics. At 39 years old, the decision wasn't sudden but a culmination of years of reflection.

"And after 19 years, when you can't do the things that the young people do anymore, you have to do something else," Shaq said.

The decision marked the end of an era for basketball fans. The Hall of Famer's retirement closed the chapter on a career that featured over 28,000 points, 13,000 rebounds, and 15 All-Star appearances. But for the former No. 1 pick, it was never solely about the numbers or the trophies. His longevity was rooted in something more significant—family, motivation, and a legacy that transcended the sport.