Years After Shedding His Pride to Treat Painful Condition, Shaquille O’Neal Brings Up Personal Struggles to Justify Latest Act with Charles Barkley

Being 7 feet tall in the NBA has its perks. However, as age and injuries catch up, it may soon turn into a big problem to deal with. No one understands this as much as the LA Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal. Widely regarded as the most dominant athlete in the history of the NBA, Shaq’s size was as big of an issue as it was an advantage. A fierce competitor, the 4x NBA champion had to eventually let go of his pride and get treated for the several issues he was facing during his time in the NBA.

As someone who likes to have as much fun as possible, Shaq’s jokes do get out of line sometimes. In one similar situation concerning a current Lakers star, Shaq’s actions were criticized. Joining in on the fun at someone else’s expense was Shaq’s good friend and fellow Hall of Famer, Charles Barkley. However, sometime later the two legends tried to downplay the situation with Shaq even referencing his own struggles with injuries to add more context.

Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley called out for making fun of a Lakers star’s injury

The Big Man lights up the room with his infectious laugh and the ability to bring people with him for the fun ride. However, sometimes it does get out of hand and the fun is halted. It will be unfair to say that the Big Diesel has any ill intentions behind his antics. The person at the receiving end of his jokes and comments, however, might feel otherwise.

Recently Anthony Davis had to be escorted out in a wheelchair mid-game after he was injured. Davis took an elbow to the face during game 5. The blow was significant enough for the 30-year-old to be taken out of the game.

When this issue was being discussed on the Inside the NBA show, Shaq and Chuck giggled through the entire segment. Soon when the other two panelists questioned what was going on there, Shaq tried to veer the conversation. He said, “I’m laughing at Chuck,” as he continued to laugh. Shaq then added that he is not trying to make fun of someone and that he is not that type of a person. The Big Man added that, “You’re not going to stop me from playing in that Game 6.”

Maybe it was just Shaq’s competitive nature to not take the injury seriously, but for someone who has gone through physical issues himself, it wasn’t the best decision to laugh during a discussion on AD’s situation.

Read More: “Don’t Speak English to Me”: After Months of Being Bullied by 7ft Giant, NBA Legend Could Have a Message for Shaquille O’Neal

However, Shaq further detailed his own stint with serious injuries to add some context to the controversy. Describing his nature as an athlete, he said: “You see why I walk funny? because I sucked it up…You see why my toes don’t bend? Because I sucked it up.”

Notably, Shaq had undergone toe surgery during the 2002-03 season. Although it was after a long period of refusing to get treatment, it sure was a good decision from the Big Man.

Watch This Story: After Big Stephen Curry Admission, Shaquille O’Neal Throws NBA Legends Ray Allen and Reggie Miller into the Mix: “Herky Jerky with..”