Shareef O’Neal Signs Six-Figure Deal With NBA G League Ignite

July 26, 2022 World Sports

Shareef O’Neal bet on himself, turning pro to end an injury-riddled college career this year — which led to a short Summer League stint with the Los Angeles Lakers.

Shareef declared for the 2022 NBA Draft even though his father — and Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal — hoped he would go back to college. “He didn’t like the idea at all,” the 22-year-old said after his pre-draft workout with L.A.

“But it was right in front of me,” Shareef added. “I had to go get it. If he likes it or not, that’s not really going to stop me from doing what I want to do.”

The 6-foot-10 forward averaged 4.8 points and 3.8 rebounds in four Las Vegas Summer League games for the Purple and Gold. His performance might have not earned Shareef a contract with the Lakers. However, he has achieved his goal and will play professional basketball later this year having signed for the NBA G League Ignite