“Don’t Wanna Show Up at the Hospital”: Praying for Jamie Foxx, ‘Good Friend’ Shaquille O’Neal Refuses to Go Meet Him, Hints at Respecting Privacy

Last month, Hollywood star Jamie Foxx’s health update upset the entertainment industry as well as the NBA world. Athletes including LeBron James and Dwyane Wade chimed in on social media, voicing heartfelt concerns about the veteran actor’s health. However, much to the relief of Foxx’s friends in the hoops-world, it was eventually revealed that he has recovered from the undisclosed complication.

The Academy Award-winner is yet to leave the hospital, though, and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal recently wished the actor a speedy recovery. Foxx is doing better with each passing day, as per reports. Shaq was relieved to know his friend is doing better but refused to go and meet him at the hospital.

Shaquille O’Neal prays for Jamie Foxx but refuses to meet him in person

On the latest episode of the Big Podcast, Shaquille O’Neal and crew discussed Jamie Foxx and his health. O’Neal asked his co-host, Nischelle Turner, “…how’s my good friend Jamie doing?” In response, Turner told Shaq that the Django Unchained star is reportedly doing better, being ‘alert’ and ‘awake’. Turner added that she learned about the good news from her friend Nick Cannon.

While interviewing her fellow TV host for Entertainment Tonight, Turner was told that Cannon had recently spoken with Foxx and that the popular actor was ‘healing’. However, Shaq’s co-host also added that his ‘good friend’ is yet to leave the hospital. Shaq then expressed his prayer for Foxx’s recovery.

Though Shaquille O’Neal was clearly relieved by Turner’s words, the 15x All-Star revealed that he does not intend to visit Foxx at the hospital despite being in Atlanta itself. The Lakers legend said, “I know he is here in Atlanta. But I just don’t want to show up. As long as he is doing okay, I will keep praying for him.” O’Neal probably wanted to give Foxx some privacy so that he may be able to recover and leave the hospital at the earliest.

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Shaq joined the list of several ballers and stars who have prayed for Foxx to be back in action.

Shaquille O’Neal and Jamie Foxx go back a long way

Back in Shaquille O’Neal’s playing days, him and fellow Lakers legend Kobe Bryant undoubtedly formed one of the greatest duos in NBA history. However, things unfortunately went awry between the two teammates, the LA icons finding themselves in a feud, and their beef is remembered by hoops enthusiasts today as one of the saddest in the NBA.

The rift with Kobe made the going tough for O’Neal in LA. During that tumultuous time, Shaq had a shoulder to lean on and that was his good friend Foxx. The Golden Globe recipient’s support proved to be a solace for the Diesel.

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Jamie Foxx once also recollected a fond memory of Shaq from the latter’s LA days. He had called Shaq to hang out at his place shortly after O’Neal won a ring with the Los Angeles Lakers. The LA side’s icon showed up at Foxx’s place, but a multitude of fans also followed the seven-footer to Foxx’s residence! This may also be one of the reasons, perhaps, that the Big Aristotle fears showing up now at the hospital, opting to pray for his friend’s recovery from a safe distance!