“Shaq, You’re So Sensitive..”: Charles Barkley Disrespecting Shaquille O’Neal on Live TV Sends NBA World Into a Burst of Laughter

For the first time in the league, the NBA executed the concept of ‘rivals week’. 11 games between teams with “historical and budding rivalries” took place over the past week. In honor of rivals week, the Orlando Magic’s Twitter account posed a question to the fans. They wrote, “pick one” and paired it with a picture of Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard. This tweet was displayed on the big screen during the latest episode of Inside the NBA and Charles Barkley took this opportunity to take a dig at his co-analyst, Shaq. 

Shaquille O’Neal and Dwight Howard, both drafted by the Magic 10 years apart, have had a long-standing feud. This feud has predominantly been off the court, as the four-time champion has been highly critical of Howard’s decisions and game; while Howard called Shaq out for the disrespect on several occasions. A truce is yet to be called on this beef, hence it was only apt for Orlando Magic to put up this question during rivals week. 

Charles Barkley takes a dig at Shaquille O’Neal

On Inside the NBA, when this Tweet popped up, Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith were surprised as they exclaimed, “The Magic did that!” As they expressed their shock, Shaq stated that the organization and its fans didn’t have to choose him. 

He followed this statement up with reasoning. He said, “They ain’t gotta pick me. I sold my house in Orlando. I live in Fort Lauderdale now. Pick who you like.” Seconds later, Shaq’s frenemy Chuck said, “I’m gonna go with Dwight.” Kenny Smith broke into a fit of laughter for he knew that chaos would ensue in the studio. 

Read More: “Keep Going Down”: Charles Barkley Leaves Shaquille O’Neal and Other NBA Icons in Disbelief With a Direct Jab at The Lakers

The Big Diesel stared at Barkley while Barkley encouraged Kenny to make his choice. Following this, Shaq took off his glasses and stared wide-eyed at Kenny. Barkley said, “Kenny do not be bullied,” while Kenny claimed not to be a “fire-starter”. However, eventually, Kenny chose Shaq. The entire studio remained in a fit of laughter as these events transpired. 

NBA Fans laugh out loud online

As this clip went viral online, fans fell about laughing at this series of events. They wrote online that when it came to Howard, it was hilarious how sensitive Shaq could get. Fans commented about the Smith, Chuck, and Shaq trio and called them to be extremely hilarious. Some called Barkley a menace while the rest vowed not to watch the NBA if these analysts retired. Here are some of the reactions: 

Who would you choose, Shaq or Dwight? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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