Shaquille O’Neal Reveals Playful Antics and Friendship with Jeweler

Los Angeles, CA – Shaquille O’Neal is known for his playful personality, both on and off camera. Recently, he shared a humorous story about an incident involving a diamond worth $3 million and his long-standing friendship with jeweler Adam Mirzoeff.

O’Neal, a Hall of Fame basketball player, appeared on The Big Podcast with Shaq to recount how he met Mirzoeff, Vice President of East Continental Gems. Their friendship began in the mid-1990s during a trunk show at Neiman Marcus in Copley Place, where Mirzoeff struggled with low customer turnout.

Adam Mirzoeff recalled, “I just cut a diamond that’s 42.39 karats, it’s a huge diamond.” That day, O’Neal visited the showcase and immediately noticed the large stone. In a light-hearted attempt at humor, he pretended to steal it. “He puts it on his pinky, and he goes and puts it in his pocket and starts walking away,” Mirzoeff recounted. O’Neal then joked, “What diamond?”

This playful moment led to laughter and a memorable friendship, lasting over 30 years. O’Neal also mentioned a game he plays with Inside the NBA co-host Kenny Smith, asking, “Can Shaq get away with it?” He recalled a time he took a candy bar without intention to pay, engaging the cashier in humor instead of trouble.

O’Neal’s playful antics are not new. During the 2007 NBA All-Star Weekend practice, he challenged Dwight Howard and LeBron James to an unexpected dance battle. The event sparked enthusiasm, but O’Neal’s performance outshined the younger stars.

Years after his retirement, Shaquille O’Neal remains a source of joy and laughter. His infectious energy continues to influence others, reminding them of the lighter side of life.