SUMMARY
- Shaquille O'Neal and Charles Barkley, two NBA legends and analysts on 'Inside the NBA,' share a strong and decades-long friendship despite occasional on-air arguments.
- Charles Barkley expressed his annoyance with Shaq's gift-giving.
Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley are arguably among the greatest players in the history of the NBA. The two have played a handful of games against each other and have had heated arguments at the show. Despite all of this, the two share a strong and inspirational bond. They have been friends for decades now and there’s only one thing that Shaq does that gets on Barkley’s nerves.
Notably, O’Neal debuted in the league in 1992 after being picked by the Orlando Magic. He retired in 2011 after playing an incredible nineteen seasons. On the other hand, Barkley entered the NBA in 1984 after being the fifth pick from the draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. He was a part of the league for twenty-six seasons and left an impressive impact.
Furthermore, Shaq and Barkley joined Turner Network Sports’ post-game show, ‘Inside the NBA’ as analysts alongside Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. Fans have an amusing time seeing them on the show and their friendship. Notably, before celebrating his 60th birthday, Barkley, appeared on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’ and spoke about what his co-workers could gift him.
He said that Kenny and Ernie would probably do something nice and thoughtful. Whereas, the Lakers star would probably do what he always does on Christmas; giving stuff that he endorses. “That’s the only that bothers me about Shaq, he never gives you like an original gift. He’s like ‘I’m endorsing this, here,'” Barkley added. In addition to this, he stressed how O’Neal would be in that commercial and it is neither a gift nor thoughtful.
Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley’s mothers once made them resolve their fight
Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have had their share of fights on and off the court. However, there was one fight that caught everyone’s attention. Back in 1999 during a game between Los Angeles Lakers and Houston Rockets, the two had a physical fight. Shaq revealed that Barkley hit him in the head with a ball. To which, he responded by trying to knock him down.
Furthermore, O’Neal attempted to make Barkley come on the inside by lunging with his left. However, Barkley went on the outside, grabbed Shaq, and pulled him to the ground. After putting this fight on display to the audience, the two came to the locker room and received an unexpected call. Shaq revealed that it was a conference call with his mother, Lucille O’Neal, and Barkley’s mom, Charcey Glenn.
Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley fight during Lakers vs. Rockets game (1999)pic.twitter.com/TSub716zh1
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The Lakers star revealed what Glenn said, “She said, ‘Y’all need to stop. I already talked to Charles. He’s gonna meet you in the hallway. Y’all need to stop and hug. Y’all are two of the greatest players in the world, we don’t want y’all fighting in front of the kids, y’all stop that.'” This revelation left everyone amused by how their mothers had to intervene and made them resolve their fight.