Whatâs an NBA talk show without Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley taking hilarious jabs at each other? This time, itâs Shaq making headlines after a joke he made at the former 76ers, Suns, and Rockets playerâs expense.
âI don’t take crap from a man who’s made it to the (NBA) Finals one time,â Shaq said while the two were bantering.
Take a listen:
A Look Back at Shaq and Charles Barkley’s Careers
GettyLOS ANGELES, UNITED STATES: Shaquille O’Neal of the Los Angeles Lakers reacts during game two of the NBA first round play-offs against the Sacramento Kings in Los Angeles 27 April, 2000. (ELECTRONIC IMAGE) AFP PHOTO/Vince BUCCI (Photo credit should read Vince Bucci/AFP via Getty Images)
O’Neal, who played 19 seasons in the NBA, is one of the most dominant centers in league history. A four-time champion, with titles for the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat, he earned three Finals MVP honors, 15 All-Star selections, and the league MVP award during the 1999â2000 season. He finished his career with over 28,000 points.
On the court, he was known for his raw power and was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016. Off the court, heâs one of the most popular personalities in sports, known for his unique sense of humor and playfulness. That extends to poking fun at his broadcast teammates.
Similarly, Barkley is one of the most accomplished power forwards in league history. During his 16-year career, Barkley earned 11 NBA All-Star selections and won the league MVP award during the 1992â93 season while leading the Suns to the NBA Finals. They lost the series to the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls in six games.
Barkley finished his career with more than 23,000 points and five All-NBA First Team selections. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2006. He also won two Olympic gold medals with the U.S. âDream Teamâ in 1992 and 1996.
A Look Back at Shaq and Charles Barkley’s Broadcast Moments
GettyCharles Barkley looks on prior to game three of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Celtics and Heat on May 21, 2023.
This is far from the first time the two have gone at it. However, itâs usually just tongue-in-cheek.
âGoogle Me, Chuckâ
This might be the moment people remember most. During an episode of Inside the NBA, OâNeal pulled out his phone and told Barkley to âGoogle me, Chuck.â It was a subtle joke, but it became more memorable because of what came next. As Barkley tried to respond, OâNeal repeatedly flashed his championship rings toward the studio cameras. It was a dig at Barkleyâs lack of championships during his career.
The âRings vs. MVPâ Debate
Itâs not always Shaq landing the low blows. During several heated debates, Barkley has pointed to his 1992â93 MVP season and Finals appearance as proof of his greatness. OâNeal quickly dismissed the argument, countering that championships are the ultimate measure of success.
Weight and Conditioning Jokes
This is where Chuck knows he can get under Shaqâs skin. Over the years, Barkley has teased OâNeal about his conditioning, particularly later in his career. Conversely, OâNeal has mocked Barkleyâs weight. These jokes sometimes toe the line between teasing and going too far, but they usually end with a laugh from both.
Their witty banter and ability to take a joke are why theyâre two of the most popular personalities in the NBA and across sports media. There will certainly be many more memorable studio moments to come.
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