Former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal has backed a Houston Rockets official who triggered a row with China
Former Los Angeles Lakers star Shaquille O'Neal has backed a Houston Rockets official who triggered a row with China GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / KEVORK DJANSEZIAN

KEY POINTS

  • Shaquille O'Neal is one of the most generous athletes in the world
  • Last year, Shaq offered to pay for the funeral services of an 11-year old who died in a car accident
  • A viral video shows Shaq paying for a man's engagement ring

One lucky customer, who just happened to be in the right place at the right time, received a very special treat from NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.

The three-time NBA champion and former MVP was always known as one of the biggest and most dominant players during his prime in the league. Outside the hardcourt, he has a pretty big heart of gold as well.

In a viral video making the rounds on social media, the 15-time NBA All-Star chanced upon a man purchasing an engagement ring for his soon-to-be fiancée.

While the man likely had enough money to buy the ring for himself, O'Neal decided to give the guy a huge assist and pay for the engagement ring.

While O'Neal was one of the fiercest competitors on the court, he’s also one of the most generous people off the hardwood.

There have been many documented stories of his generosity. One time at a restaurant, O'Neal left a $4,000 tip “just because the server asked.”

Last year, O'Neal reportedly bought a new laptop for a fan that he met at a Best Buy branch.

He also offered to pay for the funeral services of an 11-year-old boy who was killed in a car accident in Louisiana.

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Mark Madsen and Shaquille O'Neal Getty Images

As it turns out, O'Neal has always been generous, even to his teammates. Mark Madsen recalled the time when "Big Diesel" extended a helping in hand by purchasing his first cars and even paid for the down payment.

O'Neal also took former Laker Mike Penberthy to his personal tailor and paid for six suits.

With all the success that he has attained during and after his playing career, O'Neal is no doubt set for life. The good thing is that he’s sharing his blessings with the people who don’t have as much as he does.