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.