Like many former NBA centers, Shaquille O’Neal struggled with his weight after retiring. The transition from physically excruciating training multiple times a day to a relatively inactive lifestyle was not easy for him. Furthermore, Shaq did not pay much attention to his diet as well. As months turned into years of retirement, the Los Angeles Lakers legend slowly became overweight, at one point weighing as high as 400 lbs. However, he decided to change things for the better after a shocking warning from his doctor.
Shaq took his doctor’s warning seriously and has been on a path to be fit and healthy since then. The four-time NBA champion now has another source of motivation in Hollywood superstar Michael B. Jordan, whose body fat percentage in his recent movie seemed to stun the Big Diesel.
Shaquille O’Neal is ready for a major challenge after Michael B. Jordan’s body fat % reveal
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
In the latest episode of the Big Podcast with Shaq, co-hosts Nischelle Turner and Spice Adams joined Shaquille O’Neal for another fun conversation. In one instance, Turner brought up the newly released Michael B. Jordan starrer, Creed III. She talked about the Shaq homage in the movie and stated that she told Jordan that the NBA legend would appreciate that.
The Emmy Award winner added that Creed III’s superstar actor and director said that he had to represent. O’Neal then talked about how Jordan was from the same neighborhood in Newark, New Jersey, where he grew up. He further stated that Jordan is already a megastar in the business, and that he was happy for him.
The Big Diesel then shared his astonishment about Jonathan Majors’ insanely fit physique. Nischelle then pointed out that Majors told her that his body fat percentage was 4% for the movie. Such an amazing outcome entails a drastic lifestyle change. She added that Michael B. Jordan was also at 4% body fat. This had Shaq motivated for action. Subsequently, the Big Man proclaimed “Hey you know what? If they are 4, I’m going to 14.”
Turner was thrilled and replied, “Okay, 14 would be great!” On the other hand, Spice Adams had a hilarious reaction to the whole conversation. The NFL veteran said, “I don’t even care at this point.” Then the 2000 NBA MVP proceeded to rub salt on Spice’s wound by reminding him about the fitness challenge he lost.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
O’Neal is all set to shock Arnold Schwarzenegger again
Shaquille O’Neal lost over 40 lbs last year and is striving to lose more weight this year as well. However, if Shaq manages to bring his body fat percentage to 14, that would be a great feat considering his height and age. But it is nothing new for the Los Angeles Lakers legend.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
WATCH THIS STORY – 5 times Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal had heated fights on Inside the NBA
Interestingly, O’Neal had a much lower fat percentage during his playing career which even shocked bodybuilding legend, Arnold Schwarzenegger. At the time, the 15-time NBA All-Star was 7’1, weighing 305 pounds, with a body fat percentage of 7.5. Schwarzenegger was amazed by this and the way Shaq consumed food and burnt it.