Shaquille O’Neal Turns Fanboy Over “Real Golden State Warrior”- Hint: It Isn’t Stephen Curry

Big crowds, big names, and Big Diesel descended on Outside Lands in San Francisco this month. This event is in its 15th year and it keeps getting better. Shaquille O’Neal was one of the major attractions performing at the sold-out event in Golden State Park. He was not the only NBA star at the event as it was teeming with celebrities both on the stage and in the crowd.

DJ Diesel amped up the crowd with his larger-than-life style. But he was starstruck when his supposedly favorite NBA player joined him. Surprisingly, it’s not something we were expecting.

Shaq parties with Curry and brings out a fan favorite in San Francisco

Shaquille O’Neal was a little tardy to his Outside Lands set on the Twin Peaks stage but for good reason. He was hanging out with a couple of Golden State Warriors as anyone would, and lost track of time. He made up for it with a set that you can’t resist jamming to.

O’Neal has released platinum-selling albums as a rap artist before and is making a comeback to hip-hop this year. But DJ Diesel brings EDM energy to his performances. His setlist was spruced with addictive hits like Frou Frou’s “You’re Not Alone” and Aqua’s “Barbie Girl.”

He was not immune to stage crashers. He, however, went with the flow. One young boy got to vibe seated on Shaq’s shoulders. Given he’s on the Warriors’ turf, several active players made appearances during his set.

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And no, it wasn’t Steph Curry, even though they were hanging out just before his performance. At the end of his set, O’Neal declared, “I got a real Golden State Warrior!” and welcomed Gary Payton II.

Absolutely no offense to The Chef, but Payton and O’Neal go way back. And it’s the best thing for Bay Area residents to see Young Glove and Big Diesel together.

The Shaquille O’Neal – Payton connection

O’Neal never makes a secret of his favorite players.

He’ll praise his former teammate, Kobe Bryant, and push for Michael Jordan as GOAT. He’s also got an unhealthy obsession with Warriors star, Steph Curry.

But his connection with GP2 goes way back, when the Warriors guard’s father, Gary Payton, was O’Neal’s teammate in Miami.

The Glove and Shaq were the headliners of Heat Culture. Young Payton probably hung out with Diesel in those days too.

Even O’Neal’s ex-wife, Shaunie, refers to him as ‘nephew’ when she celebrated his return to the Warriors. Payton Jr. won his first NBA championship with the Warriors in 2022.

After a stint in Portland, he’s back on the team in 2023. And he received a warm welcome from the fans at Outside Lands together with DJ Diesel.

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