For example, when teammate Delonte West had personal issues and legal trouble last offseason, he soon found himself being constantly pulled aside by a 7-foot-1, 300-whatever-pound counselor who took particular interest in helping someone in need.
West is taking a low public profile this season, refusing all interviews. But when he learned the topic was Shaq, there were some strong thoughts West wanted to share, that he needed to share.
"This is about Shaq?" he asked.
About Shaq, yes.
"Well then, you need to know something. He's like a big brother for me right now, as far as everything that's going on in my life. Just seeing how he handles things is an inspiration to me. This is someone who has been around the world. He gives me advice every day. He'll lay down and die for you, and that's my type of guy. He's an amazing person, someone I can't even begin to describe. A big influence in my life."
Sources:
As career winds down, Shaq finds new ways to shine http://www.nba.com/2009/news/features/shaun_powell/12/30/shaq.evolution/index.html-----------------------------------
It seems Shaq has helped Delnote a lot, and Delonte has great respect for Shaq.