Everything happens for a reason. I’m used to it, I prepare for it. Like I say, at the end of the day, those in charge of their own destiny are going to do what’s right for them and their family.

O’Neal frames life and career as shaped by both inevitability and agency. “Everything happens for a reason” signals a stoic acceptance of events—trades, roster changes, business decisions, or personal setbacks—while “I prepare for it” emphasizes readiness rather than resentment. The second half shifts from fate to responsibility: people “in charge of their own destiny” will choose what best serves their interests and families. The quote thus balances resignation with pragmatism, suggesting that mature professionals anticipate change, respect others’ self-determination, and prioritize long-term security over sentiment.