Shaquille O’Neal Threatens Rockets Legend With Violence After Things Got Heated Over A Joke: “I’m Gonna Put These Paws On You”

Shaquille O’Neal has a very wholesome reputation. He does a lot of charity and is a good public figure. People do forget that he was one of the most dominant and intimidating players in the 90s and 2000s. His fearsome reputation led teams to change strategies. His intimidating demeanor made a comeback again during today’s telecast of “Inside the NBA”.

This time his target was former Houston Rockets player and co-analyst Kenny ” The Jet” Smith. Shaq was needled by him for being late. The legendary Lakers player was passionately explaining his point about Phil Jackson when Smith repeatedly cut him off.

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Shaq finally had it when the former Houston Rockets point guard told him with a straight face that he shouldn’t be late for work.

He said, “If you try to be funny on TV again, I’m gonna put these paws on you.” Charles Barkley, then, high fives Smith. Big Shaq was visibly frustrated. Smith cooled things down by saying, “Hey, listen, I’m Pat Riley up here, you ain’t hitting Pat Riley. You ain’t hitting me.”

Fans reaction to Shaquille O’Neal and his tantrum

Fans were quick to pounce on this and said that O’Neal can “dish it out but can’t take it”. Shaq has been known to be quite nasty with his ribbing as well, so it’s par for the course. With the action between the Brooklyn Nets and Boston Celtics heating up, the “NBA on TNT” set is also getting a little warmer. Several fans who were watching the banter turn into something tense are letting the former three-time Finals MVP hear about it.

Shaquille O’Neal and his predicament

O’ Neal had shared a video of the traffic jam he was stuck in. It did look frustrating for the ex-player. For most, traffic jams are a huge annoyance and Shaq was no different. It did not help at all that his co-workers pounced on his frustration.

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Ironically, Kenny Smith too got late once due to a traffic jam. Smith’s reason for the traffic was supposedly because a zebra was on the loose, which no one in the studio believed.

All three of them are on “Inside the NBA” along with host Ernie Johnson. They are a must-watch for any basketball fan if they want some entertainment along with analysis. The trio has continued to be successful for the show. The fans hope that this is just a blip for the trio.