The opening week of the 2019-20 NBA regular season has taken a sad turn.
Ayesha Harrison-Jex, the sister of Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal, died after her battle with cancer at the age of 40.
O’Neal, a studio analyst for TNT’s “Inside the NBA,” did not appear on Thursday’s broadcast. However, the big man’s colleagues, Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and league commissioner Adam Silver, all offered their condolences.
"Big Fella, you hang in there."
Ernie, Kenny, Charles & Commissioner Silver's thoughts are with the O’Neal family pic.twitter.com/5yUtdhjWkZ
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) October 24, 2019
“I’m trying to put into words the way Shaquille has reacted to this, and he is struggling,” Johnson emotionally said. “And when he struggles, we struggle with him because he’s one of our brothers.”
Thanks for the condolences and the love. If I had older brothers, it would be you 3. Love y’all and love you more Candice.
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) October 25, 2019
Prayers up for my brother @shaq with the passing of his sister Ayesha. My condolences to the whole family. Gone too soon. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Danny Green (@DGreen_14) October 25, 2019
Steve Kerr ended his presser by sending condolences to Shaquille O’Neal’s sister Ayesha, who recently passed from cancer.
— Logan Murdock (@loganmmurdock) October 25, 2019
🙏🏾Thoughts and prayers to my guy @Shaq and the O’Neal family. My condolences to you all.
— Rudy Gay (@RudyGay) October 25, 2019
Sending my condolences & prayers to @SHAQ and your entire family Legend!
— KJ (@KJMcDaniels) October 25, 2019
The Lakers take on the Utah Jazz on Friday night.
