Charles Barkley Roasts Shaquille O’Neal, Making Him Walk Off Set on ‘Inside the NBA’
Things got hilariously heated on the set of Inside the NBA as Charles Barkley’s playful jabs at Shaquille O’Neal led to Shaq briefly walking off set. The exchange began during a lighthearted debate, but quickly escalated into classic Barkley-O’Neal banter that left the rest of the crew in stitches.
It all started when the crew was discussing competitive levels across various professions, with Barkley comparing athletes to entertainers. Barkley, known for his unfiltered opinions, poked fun at Shaq by drawing a humorous parallel between Shaq’s basketball skills and Jay-Z’s rap prowess. “You think Jay-Z is out here battling guys on the street?” Barkley asked. “You gotta work your way up to the champ.”
Shaq, not one to back down from friendly trash talk, grinned but couldn’t help but laugh as Barkley continued. “It’s like saying Kendrick Lamar is out here freestyle battling random people in the park,” Barkley quipped, referencing the idea that top-tier talent doesn’t engage in low-level competition.
Shaq’s amusement turned into exaggerated disbelief. “I can’t do this,” Shaq muttered, standing up from his seat. “You’re silly, man. You’re silly.” Barkley, clearly enjoying himself, egged him on further. “Go fix the wall, Shaq,” Barkley joked, referencing a recent incident on set where Shaq accidentally damaged part of the studio wall.
Shaq, playing along with the joke, pretended to storm off, leaving the rest of the panel – Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith – in laughter. “He’s walking off! Shaq’s outta here,” Ernie laughed, trying to regain composure. Barkley, still grinning, added, “Man, Shaq can’t handle the truth.”
But the antics didn’t stop there. As Shaq returned to his seat, Barkley brought the conversation back to basketball. “Shaq, you think you can hit five free throws in a row right now?” Barkley asked with a smirk. Shaq shook his head. “Hell no,” he replied, laughing along with the rest of the crew.
The playful exchange between Barkley and Shaq is nothing new for fans of Inside the NBA. Their chemistry and lighthearted rivalry have long been a staple of the show, creating countless viral moments. This latest incident only adds to the list of unforgettable Barkley vs. Shaq moments that viewers have come to love.
While the segment was filled with jokes, it highlighted the camaraderie and unique dynamic that has made Inside the NBA one of the most entertaining sports shows on television. Barkley’s quick wit, combined with Shaq’s larger-than-life personality, continues to make for must-watch television.
In the end, Shaq’s brief “walk-off” was just another chapter in the ongoing saga of friendly fire between two NBA legends. Fans can rest assured that while Shaq may occasionally leave his seat, he’ll always be back for more laughs and lighthearted debates.
