7’1 Shaquille O’Neal and 7’6 Yao Ming Make 5X Grammy Winner Look Diminutive in Resurfaced Photo

Shaquille O’Neal had an illustrious NBA career spanning 19 years. However, his most successful seasons came with the Los Angeles Lakers, where he won a three-peat of championships. Apart from his success on the court, Shaq is also very popular for his insane physique. That is something that helped the 7’1 star center to dominate the NBA. However, there was another star player who dwarfed the Lakers legend: Yao Ming. A picture of Yao Ming & Shaquille O’Neal has resurfaced from the 2003 NBA Read To Achieve Celebration, where they were clicked alongside singer-songwriter Christina Aguilera.

The 7’1 NBA legend stands out among other NBA stars not just because of his success off the court, but also because of his insane build. Big Shaq was one of the most dangerous centers of his time and has often been credited with revolutionizing the role of a center in the NBA.

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Yao Ming and Shaq shared a great relationship after Shaq once mocked the Chinese language and later apologized for the same. The two clicked a picture together with 5-time Grammy winner Christina Aguilera in 2003.

Resurfaced picture shows Shaquille O’Neal and Yao Ming dwarfing Christina Aguilera

Shaq and Yao Ming, both were at their peaks in 2003. Shaq was a three-peat champion by then, while Yao Ming had made it to his first All-Star that year. They both attended the NBA Read To Achieve Celebration, which happened in February 2003. Christina Aguilera performed during the celebration and then got clicked alongside Yao Ming and Shaq.

Shaquille O’Neal is an insanely tall athlete, and him getting dwarfed by Yao Ming is surprising. However, the star of the night that day, Christina Aguilera, looked really small compared to the NBA legends.

Shaq and Yao Ming’s relationship

Yao Ming played eight seasons in the NBA, featuring for Houston Rockets. When he joined, Shaq was already among the best players in the league. Shaq’s performances also came with some trash-talking. However, once his trash-talk with Yao Ming seemed to have crossed a line. Shaq mocked Yao Ming by making fun of the Chinese language.

However, later, Shaq realized his mistake and apologized to the Chinese center. But Yao never took it seriously and understood that the Lakers legend was joking.

“I think there are a lot of difficulties in two different cultures understanding each other, especially countries of very large populations, China and the United States,” Yao said.

“The world is getting smaller and has a greater understanding of cultures.”

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The two have a great relationship together now. Shaq has also revealed that he has visited China quite a few times and hung out with Yao’s family.

What do you think of Shaq and Yao’s relationship? Let us know in the comment section below.