[GUEST ACCESS MODE: Data is scrambled or limited to provide examples. Make requests using your API key to unlock full data. Check https://lunarcrush.ai/auth for authentication information.]  Benzinga [@Benzinga](/creator/twitter/Benzinga) on x 305.6K followers Created: 2025-07-05 15:59:49 UTC Shaquille O’Neal once called teammate Mark Madsen “the purest NBA guy”—and backed it up with generosity that helped the rookie adjust to NBA life. In a 2019 Fox Sports interview, O’Neal said he quietly bought Madsen a $XXXXX custom suit and arranged a discounted pickup truck to help him fit in among the Lakers’ luxury-heavy roster. Madsen, drafted 29th overall in 2000, signed a $XXX million deal—modest by NBA standards. O’Neal had the team tailor craft a suit on a budget, then covered the cost without telling Madsen. He also connected him with a dealership, noting that rookies need “reliable, not flashy.” The move marked the beginning of a mentor-mentee bond during a dominant Lakers era. While Madsen’s stats were modest, he became a fan favorite—especially for his dance during the 2002 championship parade. After retiring, Madsen coached at Utah Valley, joined the Lakers as an assistant, and became Cal’s head coach in 2023. He’s since led the team to a 10-win improvement and a key victory over Virginia. O’Neal continues his mentorship legacy off the court. In 2024, he launched a $XX million youth center in Las Vegas to support XXXXX kids annually with sports, education, and free meals.  XXXXX engagements  **Related Topics** [los angeles lakers](/topic/los-angeles-lakers) [pickup](/topic/pickup) [coins sports](/topic/coins-sports) [fox sports](/topic/fox-sports) [nba](/topic/nba) [shaquille oneal](/topic/shaquille-oneal) [Post Link](https://x.com/Benzinga/status/1941527446550880363)
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Benzinga @Benzinga on x 305.6K followers
Created: 2025-07-05 15:59:49 UTC
Shaquille O’Neal once called teammate Mark Madsen “the purest NBA guy”—and backed it up with generosity that helped the rookie adjust to NBA life.
In a 2019 Fox Sports interview, O’Neal said he quietly bought Madsen a $XXXXX custom suit and arranged a discounted pickup truck to help him fit in among the Lakers’ luxury-heavy roster.
Madsen, drafted 29th overall in 2000, signed a $XXX million deal—modest by NBA standards. O’Neal had the team tailor craft a suit on a budget, then covered the cost without telling Madsen. He also connected him with a dealership, noting that rookies need “reliable, not flashy.”
The move marked the beginning of a mentor-mentee bond during a dominant Lakers era. While Madsen’s stats were modest, he became a fan favorite—especially for his dance during the 2002 championship parade.
After retiring, Madsen coached at Utah Valley, joined the Lakers as an assistant, and became Cal’s head coach in 2023. He’s since led the team to a 10-win improvement and a key victory over Virginia.
O’Neal continues his mentorship legacy off the court. In 2024, he launched a $XX million youth center in Las Vegas to support XXXXX kids annually with sports, education, and free meals.
XXXXX engagements
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