Media

NBA World Sends Love to Shaquille O’Neal After Death of Sister

Published by
Justin Benjamin

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.

“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.”

The four-time champion was touched by his coworkers’ kind words.

Several other figures around the league sent their love, prayers and condolences to O’Neal and his family.

The Lakers take on the Utah Jazz on Friday night.

Justin Benjamin

Justin’s enormous respect for LeBron James has ignited him to write for the King and Lakers. His all-around analysis and heart for the game has made him a stellar NBA writer and proud staff writer for Lakers Daily.

Published by
Justin Benjamin

Recent Posts

Source close to LeBron drops clue on veteran’s future: ‘He loves it in L.A.’

Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is entering the offseason as an unrestricted free agent,…

May 13, 2026

Report: LeBron took issue with what Rob Pelinka did after big win in March

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James reportedly wasn’t happy with a decision general manager Rob…

May 13, 2026

LeBron James goes full UNC as he chastises OKC Thunder kid behind Lakers bench

The Los Angeles Lakers are hoping they haven't met their match in the second round…

May 8, 2026

Ric Flair continues to take shots at Luka Doncic while praising LeBron James

Ric Flair praised Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James on social media on Thursday while…

May 7, 2026

Emmanuel Acho eviscerates Austin Reaves after Game 1: ‘In the playoffs, [he] goes ghost’

Emmanuel Acho did not hold back when discussing Austin Reaves’ performance in Game 1 of…

May 6, 2026

Rich Paul: NBA players tell kids not to sign with Klutch because they hate LeBron

Prominent sports agent and founder of Klutch Sports Group Rich Paul has close ties to…

May 5, 2026