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via Imago

via Imago

NBA legends Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley, along with the NBA world, recently mourned the death of Ernie Johnson’s mother Lois Johnson. The NBA on TNT crew shared their heartfelt messages with their co-host and long-time friend. Ernie Johnson’s children appeared on the show and talked about their grandmother. They shared the qualities of their grandmother as well during the show. O’Neal expressed his condolences to the family and noted that Lois Johnson raised her son well.

The four-time NBA champion recounted Ernie’s commitment to the job even during tougher times. Barkley praised Lois Johnson for her commitment to her marriage.

Barkley on Shaquille O’Neal, Kenny and Ernie’s parents

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Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson are the co-hosts of The Steam Room podcast. Amidst Ernie’s absence because of the death of his mother, producer Tim Kiley stepped in as Barkley’s co-host in the latest episode. Kiley started off the show by explaining his appearance on the podcast and talking about Lois Johnson. He said, “I’m subbing for Ernie this week because his mother Lois passed away Tuesday. She died at the age of 94 and had 7 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. So she lived a wonderful life and we are all thinking of Ernie and his family.”

Then Barkley talked about Ernie’s loss. The 1993 MVP noted that two of the people that he really likes being around are his co-hosts, Ernie and Kenny Smith. He revealed that the reason behind it was their parents because they were married for over 50 years. He also talked about Lucille, the mother of Shaquille O’Neal.

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Barkley stated, “I think both parents were married for 50 years or more. And I said I’ve always wanted that. I mean Shaq has an amazing mom Miss Lucille, and I had a great mom and grandmother. But I’ve always been envious of people who had a mom and dad who were together like their entire life.”

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The Philadelphia 76ers reiterated his message about Ernie and Kenny Smith’s parents from the NBA on TNT show.

The NBA on TNT crew

The NBA on TNT crew of Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Shaquille O’Neal, and Kenny Smith is a fan favorite. Over the years, the crew has developed a close bond together and it can be seen in every episode.

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Be it a fun game or a heated argument, the crew goes full throttle, and it is safe to say they love working together. The fans love the crew’s antics as well. Recently, the crew signed long-term contracts which secured the show’s future with the NBA legends as hosts.