The Business Savvy Shaq: How Magic Johnson's Advice Helped Shape O'Neal's Long-Term Success

Not only is Los Angeles Lakers icon Shaquille O'Neal one of the greatest basketball players of all-time and universally considered the most dominant force the game has ever seen, but he is also one of the most recognizable faces off the court, possessing one of the biggest brands any athlete has compiled in recent memory.

O'Neal has a number of investments and businesses that he is a part of and that is not something that just happened by accident. In an interview with Rich Kleiman of Boardroom, O'Neal reveals that it was another Lakers legend in Magic Johnson who instilled in him a focus on business and encouraged him to leave a lasting legacy.

According to O'Neal, Magic Johnson told him, 'Make sure you focus on business.' The advice resonated deeply with O'Neal, as he began to see the importance of building a lasting brand. In fact, O'Neal even credits Johnson with sparking a curiosity within him to discover how people like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe were able to live on forever, despite no longer being alive. 'My professor at marketing class started talking about branding—there's good brands, really good brands, great brands, and brands that live forever. And I always wanted to live forever,' O'Neal shared.

O'Neal's pursuit of building an enduring legacy began in his playing days and continued well after his retirement from the NBA. While still active in basketball, he started to notice that his name and popularity were fading, much like many athletes who struggle to maintain their fame beyond their athletic prime. This sparked a desire within him to learn how companies like Elvis's or Marilyn Monroe's could transcend their physical passing and remain household names. As he began to research companies and how they build lasting brands, O'Neal knew he was heading in the right direction.

With his newfound focus on business, O'Neal was also drawn to companies where he could collaborate and build meaningful partnerships. He recalled a meeting with Jamie and his son, Corey, where the two had a big argument in front of him. Impressed by their passion and entrepreneurial spirit, O'Neal knew he wanted to partner with them.

It is safe to say that O'Neal has succeeded in leaving behind a lasting legacy through his numerous business ventures. As he reflected on how people like Elvis and Marilyn Monroe had continued to endure even after their passing, O'Neal noted that the same could be said for his good friend, Kobe Bryant. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest Lakers of all time, alongside Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. The fact that O'Neal has built an incredible portfolio that will continue to grow and thrive after his retirement is a testament to his commitment to leaving a lasting impact.

O'Neal is well-known for not mincing words when it comes to his opinions on the game. This includes critiquing current basketball players, including Lakers center DeAndre Ayton. While some may view Ayton's performance as underwhelming, O'Neal believes that he is not giving his best on the court.

It is undeniable that Magic Johnson's advice had a profound impact on O'Neal's career and personal path. By focusing on building a lasting brand and creating business opportunities, O'Neal has ensured that his legacy extends far beyond his time on the basketball court.