Shaquille O’Neal’s Generosity Changed John Salley’s Life Forever

Los Angeles, CA – In the world of professional sports, gestures off the field can reveal the true character of legends. Shaquille O’Neal, a former NBA star and Hall of Famer, demonstrated remarkable generosity that deeply impacted his teammate and friend, John Salley.

Salley joined the Los Angeles Lakers during the 1999–2000 season after winning championships with the Detroit Pistons and Chicago Bulls. Although not a star, he served as a mentor and steady presence in the locker room as the Lakers embarked on a historic winning streak.

During this time, Salley faced financial difficulties. In an unexpected show of support, O’Neal handed him $70,000 in cash—no contract, no strings attached. He did this simply because Salley needed help.

“When I needed money, he asked me, ‘How much do you need?’ To this day, it’s $70,000,” Salley recalled. “I saw him again, and he said, ‘Nah, we’re good.’” This story, first shared by Sportskeeda, reflects Shaq’s genuine kindness, not motivated by public relations or media publicity.

O’Neal, already a multimillionaire from his contracts and endorsements, understood the struggles athletes face after leaving the game. Though Salley never repaid the amount, that pivotal support helped him rebuild his life.

Years after retiring, Salley found success in entrepreneurship within the growing legal cannabis industry. He founded ‘Deuces22’, a cannabis brand inspired by his daughter, Tyla, and became a partner at GreenSpace Labs, focusing on safety and quality testing. This venture allowed him to reinvent himself, establishing him as a respected voice in the cannabis world.

Reflecting on O’Neal’s gift, Salley views it not as a debt but as a symbol of support. “Because the cannabis business is going really, really well for us. I keep it in my mind as an investor,” he stated.