Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal reveals pain pill addiction during NBA career

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has revealed that he struggled with a pain pill addiction during his 19-year playing career, a candid admission that adds a new layer to the story of one of basketball’s most dominant figures.

In a recent episode of his “Armchair Expert” podcast, the 53-year-old former Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat star shared that he regularly took more than the prescribed amount of painkillers in order to manage physical pain and continue playing at the highest level.

“If it said take one, I’m taking three,” O’Neal said. “I had to have them. So is that addiction? Is addiction for the chemical effect, or are you just taking it? Because I was having a heated discussion with my doctors like, ‘You were addicted.’ But I didn’t feel high. I don’t think I was suffering mentally. I think if I had a knack, I would take it because I didn’t want to feel that knack—because we need this game.”

O’Neal added that while team trainers were aware of his use, he kept it from his family and close friends.

“It’s not that I was hiding it. The trainers knew. I mean, I’m not telling my wife or my kids or my boys,” he said.

Shaquille O’Neal opens up about his addiction to pain killers while in the NBA:

“I would do homeboy math, if it said take one, I’m taking three. It was a club sandwich, fries and two pills for 19 years.”

via @SteveHenson pic.twitter.com/9cZByZ8wMb

— NBA Retweet (@RTNBA) August 13, 2025

While O’Neal did not disclose when the addiction began, his NBA career spanned six teams: the Orlando Magic, Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, Phoenix Suns, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Boston Celtics. He was the first overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft and retired in 2011 as one of the most decorated players in league history.

O’Neal’s accomplishments on the court are legendary. He was a four-time NBA champion, a 15-time NBA All-Star, the 2000 NBA Most Valuable Player, a three-time Finals MVP, and the 1993 Rookie of the Year. He also won two NBA scoring titles and earned All-NBA Team honors 14 times.

In recognition of his impact on the sport, multiple teams have retired his jersey numbers: No. 34 by the Lakers, No. 32 by both the Heat and the Magic.

Shaq also spoke about how he has distanced himself from the nightlife and temptations that once surrounded him. Now, he says his only vice is hookah.

“I have never been into weed. Hookah enables me to follow the routine of ‘sit your ass down,’” he explained. “When I was young and dumb, I lost my family—by doing too much, being out, being in too many places. But now I don’t go to clubs, I don’t go to gentleman’s clubs.”

O’Neal’s revelations offer a rare and vulnerable look into the physical and emotional toll of life as a professional athlete—and a reminder that even icons have their battles off the court.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.