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via Imago

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‘Inside the NBA’ is undoubtedly one of the best post-game shows in sports history, that analyzes the NBA along with having an overdose of humor in almost every segment. Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal and Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley are the two principal attractions of the show. Their unparalleled banter and persistent leg-pulling keeps the show entertaining and engaging for the audience, along with Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith chiming in once in a while. Recently, one such instance of banter on the show prompted Shaquille O’Neal’s mother, Lucille O’Neal to get involved. And Charles Barkley had something to say about the whole situation.

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Last week, on ‘Inside the NBA,’ Shaq could be seen shoved away by Houston Rockets legend Kenny Smith into a Christmas tree kept in one corner of the set during a race between them. Subsequently, Smith went on to win the race while the Big Diesel found himself hugging the tree on the floor. Following this incident, Shaq’s mother, Lucile O’Neal said a few words to Smith in a phone call which further prompted Charles Barkley to mock her while simultaneously recalling a past incident.

Charles Barkley mocks Shaquille O’Neal and his mother

On Tuesday’s segment on ‘Inside the NBA,’ during the halftime show of the Milwaukee Bucks vs the Golden State Warriors game, Shaq proposed to Smith that he wanted to race again. However, the Jet refused and revealed that Shaq’s mother Dr. Lucille O’Neal had called him and prohibited any kind of racing on set.

Read more- ?He Wanted Me to Stand Up to Him?: Shaquille O?Neal, Who Credits His Dad for His Own Discipline, Nearly Brought Tears to His Father?s Eyes as an 18 Year Old

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Thereafter, Barkley joined in and mocked Shaq by imitating his mother’s words, “Be careful with my baby,” in a higher-pitched voice. In addition to that, the Sixers legend brought up the infamous 1999 altercation that occurred between him and Shaq and said, ?Remember when I clocked him. She[Lucille] called me too, ?don?t be punching my baby.’?? Therefore, Shaq’s mother also called Barkley in 1999 just like how she called Smith recently, after the two NBA legends had a nasty scuffle on the court.

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Hence, apart from getting pushed into the trees by Kenny Smith, Shaquille O’Neal also got mocked by Charles Barkley. However, Barkley meant no disrespect to Lucille O’Neal by impersonating her. In fact, Shaq’s mother had been a very close friend to his mother for a long time, especially during the last days of her life.

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After the call, Kenny Smith assured everyone that he will be treating Shaq as the King of Zamunda from now on.