TRENTON -- Newark native and basketball superstar Shaquille O'Neal backed Gov. Chris Christie in 2013. But he's splitting with the outgoing Republican in this year's election.

O'Neal is slated to endorsed Democratic nominee Phil Murphy on Monday. Murphy, a former ambassador and Goldman Sachs executive, is running against Christie's pick for his successor, Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, his second in command.

O'Neal endorsed Christie in 2013.

The former NBA star who become involved in civic affairs since his retirement will appear with Murphy at two public schools in Newark Monday, Murphy's campaign confirmed. Later in evening, he's slated to host a fundraiser.

Details of the events are forthcoming.

O'Neal teamed up with Christie in March 2013 to talk about the state's gun buyback programs. The NBA star was interested in lending a hand.

Christie later took to Twitter to send out a photo of Shaq dwarfing him while shaking hands with the note, "You know it's a fun day in Trenton when @shaq stops by for a visit."

Basketball star Shaquille O'Neal met with Gov. Chris Christie met at his office in the Statehouse in Trenton in 2013.

About seven months later, on the heels of Christie's 2013 election victory, O'Neal announced he backed Christie's campaign and was featured in a 30-second television ad.

At the time, O'Neal said he was making a special exception for Christie with his endorsement.

"I don't endorse many politicians. But Chris Christie is different," O'Neal said. "Governor Christie's provided more funding for schools, given parents more choices in what schools their kids can go to, and merit pay for good teachers."

O'Neal was honored honored last year by the Boys & Girls Clubs of Newark

Matt Arco may be reached at marco@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MatthewArco or Facebook.