NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently divulged details of an astonishing $1.3 million expenditure on three Rolls-Royce luxury cars, an impulsive purchase triggered by a challenging encounter with a car salesman.

The revelation, which resurfaced from a 2023 interview on the Revolt YouTube channel’s Drink Champs podcast, details how O’Neal was simply browsing at a dealership when an “old guy” working there brazenly questioned his ability to afford one of the high-end vehicles.

Known for his illustrious 19-year professional basketball career, which included four NBA championships and 15 All-Star selections, O’Neal was hardly short on capital. His transition to a successful analyst on TNT’s Inside the NBA further solidified his financial standing, making the salesman’s query particularly audacious.

The clip quickly garnered widespread social media attention, sparking considerable debate among fans and commentators. Many users on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) were quick to assert that the NBA icon had been cleverly outmaneuvered by a shrewd sales tactic, with some remarking it was the “best sales trick in the book” due to its exploitation of the human desire for validation.

Despite the significant celebrity spending, O’Neal himself candidly admitted to never actually driving any of the luxury cars he acquired during this particular car dealership incident, openly stating the purchase was solely to “prove a point” and “flex” on the challenging salesman. This extravagance is consistent with his well-documented and extensive Shaquille O’Neal car collection, many of which require custom modifications due to his towering 7-foot-1 stature.

Beyond his opulent acquisitions and professional achievements, O’Neal is also celebrated for his profound acts of generosity. He has frequently used his immense wealth and platform for philanthropic endeavors, notably recounting an instance where he purchased laptops for struggling children at Best Buy, emphasizing his mother’s teachings about lifting spirits and making the world a better place.

Furthermore, the NBA legend is renowned for his outspoken nature and willingness to confront what he perceives as injustice, exemplified by his public criticism of former NFL player Robert Griffin III for disparaging comments directed at WNBA star Angel Reese, showcasing his commitment to fairness and respect within the sports community.

With a career total of 28,956 points, Shaquille O’Neal remains one of the most dominant centers in basketball history. This viral story of his extravagant luxury cars purchase only adds another layer to the multifaceted public persona of an athlete whose influence extends far beyond the basketball court, continuing to captivate audiences with his larger-than-life character.