Shaquille O'Neal: 'DeMarcus Cousins is similar to me'

Shaquille O'Neal has claimed that he and Sacramento Kings center DeMarcus Cousins are similar players.

Cousins has been receiving advice ahead of the new season from O'Neal, who recently bought a small share in the franchise despite being a former Los Angeles Lakers player.

"Believe it or not, we're similar players," O'Neal told ESPN.

"But I was an extrovert as a player and he's more an introvert. Me working with him, it's not about moves, repetitions of moves, it's more about conversations."

Reports have suggested that Cousins is close to agreeing a contract extension with the Kings.