Shaquille O'Neal Makes Heartfelt Statement On Devastating NBA News

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal reacted to the passing of Junior Bridgeman.

Sep 24, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Sacramento Kings minority owner Shaquille O'Neal answers questions from the media during a press conference at Kings Practice Facility. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images / Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Earlier this week, the NBA world mourned the loss of Junior Bridgeman.

He spent 12 seasons in the NBA with the Milwaukee Bucks and LA Clippers.

Via EBONY MAGAZINE: "It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of EBONY owner Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, a remarkable man of deep faith, husband, father, businessman, former NBA player, and a true pioneer of financial wisdom and success."

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of EBONY owner Ulysses “Junior” Bridgeman, a remarkable man of deep faith, husband, father, businessman, former NBA player, and a true pioneer of financial wisdom and success. pic.twitter.com/IQfqKYBW4R

— EBONY MAGAZINE (@EBONY) March 13, 2025

Many people around the NBA world reacted to the news, and one person who shared this thoughts was Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O'Neal.

O'Neal (via the NBA on TNT): "I've patterned my whole business acumen after Junior Bridgeman... Everything that he did I tried to pattern after him. I actually just talked to him the other day... My condolences goes out to his partners... To his family, his daughter, his son, but this one really hit hard for me because he was definitely somebody I looked up to."

Shaq reflects on the passing of his friend, @Bucks legend and owner Junior Bridgeman ❤️ pic.twitter.com/YiDzQhqR4R

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) March 11, 2025

Bridgeman had career averages of 13.6 points, 3.5 rebounds and 2.4 assists per contest while shooting 47.5% from the field and 24.4% from the three-point range in 849 games.

He also appeared in 49 NBA playoff games for the Bucks.

Via Louisville Athletics on Tuesday: "Today we lost a legend and beloved member of the Louisville basketball family.

Junior Bridgeman leaves an unmatched legacy and we are forever grateful for the impact he’s made on our program, our university and our city.

We send our deepest condolences to the Bridgeman family and all who loved him."

Today we lost a legend and beloved member of the Louisville basketball family.

Junior Bridgeman leaves an unmatched legacy and we are forever grateful for the impact he’s made on our program, our university and our city.

We send our deepest condolences to the Bridgeman family… pic.twitter.com/Xy5oxZ6kjU

— Louisville Athletics (@GoCards) March 11, 2025

As for O'Neal, he spent 19 years with the Lakers, Magic, Heat, Suns, Cavs and Celtics.