G League Ignite Sign Hall Of Famer's Son To Six-Figure Contract

He's got some HUGE shoes to fill—figuratively and literally—but Shareef O'Neal, the son of legendary NBA Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal, is taking his first step towards those shoes, by signing a "six-figure contract" in the G League. 

After playing for the Lakers in Summer League, Shareef O’Neal – the son of Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal – is signing a six-figure contract with the NBA G League Ignite, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) July 25, 2022

O'Neal's run with the Los Angeles Lakers in the Summer League lasted four games, but it was apparently enough for Shaq's offspring to attract enough attention for the G League Ignite to lock him up for the coming season. 

He averaged 4.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 0.3 blocks in 11.5 minutes per game. However, "NBA teams were intrigued with O'Neal's athleticism and pedigree throughout the predraft and summer-league process," NBA Insider Shams Charania wrote. "O'Neal has worked extensively with trainer Justin Zormelo in his continued development as a pro prospect, helping O'Neal navigate his basketball career on and off the floor."

Illness and injury marked Shareef's collegiate career, as he underwent open-heart surgery while at UCLA and endured multiple foot injuries, including a stress fracture, after he transferred to LSU. 

Here's hoping for a healthier start to his G League career.

Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports