Shaquille O'Neal once disclosed doctors diagnosed him with life-threatening ailment: "I've got to sleep with a sleep machine" 

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal had an illustrious career, winning titles, MVP awards, and breaking backboards during his time in the league. However, years after his playing days, O'Neal had a life-threatening scare after he was diagnosed with sleep apnea.

O'Neal discovered that he had a sleeping disorder during the latter years of his career in the NBA. At the time, he was dating Nicole Alexander, and she noticed that the 15-time All-Star had a weird snoring pattern. According to Shaq, they went to the doctor and later found out about his condition.

"When I went back to the doctor, there was some stuff I never even knew," Shaq said. "They give you those certain words: 'Hey man, you got sleep apnea and sleep apnea can cause hypertension or strokes, so you could die'.

"I said 'What?' and they said 'You could die'. So now I've got to sleep with a sleep machine.

According to the three-time Finals MVP, the doctor also warned him about the painkillers he was using. At the time, he was on the last legs of his career, and his body couldn't hold up to the demands of the league. O'Neal said that he would often take a pill or two just to get himself going.

"I've got this machine that I put on my legs, a Normatec," he continued to talk about his sleep apnea, "That's what I do. Whenever I get tired, or my legs start to swell after I fly, I just sit in my Normatec and I get in the hot tub and I just try to stretch. I had to really get checked out."

Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that mostly affects the breathing of a person sleeping. Good thing the former LA Lakers superstar was able to address his condition early on.

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Shaquille O'Neal gets backup from LeBron James

Shaquille O'Neal knows when to give respect to the players that went before him. He used social media platform to give Julius Erving due credit for his influence in the game of basketball.

"There is much debate on who the greatest player in the NBA is. But let us not forget this man @juliuserving paved the way for all of us. Salute to GODFATHER OF GREATNESS. #yallmustofforgot‼️ i didn’t" O'Neal posted.

Shaq isn't the only one who thinks that way as current Lakers star, LeBron James also appreciates what Dr. J has done. James left a comment on O'Neal's post on Instagram.

"One of my inspirations for sure!! Played the game with such class and eloquence!!!" James commented.

It's amazing to see stars showing love to those that came before them. These instances make fans appreciate the history of the game of basketball.