Shaquille O’Neal recently opened up about his deep and transformative friendship with fellow NBA star Allen Iverson during an exclusive interview with PEOPLE at the world premiere of the documentary “Allen Iv3rson” in New York City on October 20. This documentary is set to stream on Prime Video on October 23, 2025.
O’Neal, who stands at an impressive seven feet one inch, reflected on Iverson’s heartfelt comments made earlier this year, where he referred to O’Neal as his “big brother” and “mentor.” Iverson expressed his affection for O’Neal, sharing, “I love him so much. I don’t want to be up here crying… I just love him.”
During the red carpet event, O’Neal conveyed his feelings about Iverson’s emotional words, saying, “Man, I just try to be the big brother, mentor to other people.” He praised Iverson for his authenticity, noting, “He did it his way. He kept it real.” O’Neal highlighted Iverson’s rebellious spirit when it came to the NBA’s dress code, recalling moments when Iverson opted to wear his own style over mandated suits, which led to fines but earned him respect across the league.
Iverson’s unique fashion sense, characterized by baggy clothes, bling, and tattoos, played a significant role in shaping NBA culture and player fashion. O’Neal acknowledged this impact, stating, “I’ve always respected what he brought to the game culture-wise and NBA-wise.” As an executive producer of the upcoming series, O’Neal expressed pride in being able to tell Iverson’s story authentically, ensuring it reflects his journey and legacy.
Both players were NBA icons during the peak years from 1996 to 2010, yet they never wore the same jersey. Their rivalry was highlighted in the 2001 NBA Finals, where O’Neal’s Los Angeles Lakers triumphed over Iverson’s Philadelphia 76ers. Reflecting on their legacies, O’Neal mentioned how rare it is for rookies to make an immediate impact in the league, singling out Iverson as one of those exceptional talents who was ready to shine right from the start.
With Iverson’s accolades—including the 2001 NBA MVP, 11 NBA All-Star selections, four scoring titles, and two All-Star Game MVP awards—his influence continues to resonate. The upcoming documentary aims to provide an in-depth look at Iverson’s life and career, allowing fans to connect with his story on a more personal level.
As the release date approaches, anticipation grows for viewers to witness the compelling narrative of the basketball legend, illustrating not only his remarkable achievements but also the bond he shares with Shaquille O’Neal.