In the arena of sports media, few figures loom as large as Shaquille O’Neal and Stephen A. Smith. O’Neal has transitioned from one of the most dominant centers in basketball history to a multimedia mogul with his DJ and TV campaigns. On the other hand, Smith has made his name in the media industry with his 21 years of experience with ESPN. However, despite their successes, the seven-footer had always asked for Smith’s credit. But why?

The story dates back to July this year when there was news of Smith’s contract ending with ESPN. There was contract negotiation involved, with ESPN offering $18 million for 5 years whereas Smith had an ask for $25 million per year. This was the time when Big Diesel had passed his comment about making the analyst’s career. “I remember when he signed for $10 million and he was doing a great job and I wish him well and I hope he can make all the money he can make. But he needs to thank me. I made him who he is,” Shaq said on The Big Podcast with Shaq. 

The reason given by the All-Star for making Smith’s career was indeed simple. According to him, the analyst was making no money when he was only reporting and writing for the Philadelphia 76ers in The Philadelphia Inquirer. He started making money when he included the Los Angeles Lakers center in every conversation now and then.

However, the four-time NBA champ didn’t stop there. He recently reposted a video on his Instagram story featuring BrodSquad Sports hilariously copying Stephen A. Smith’s way of speaking. It can be speculated that the seven-footer made this move just to mess with the analyst.

Whether this back-and-forth will escalate or fizzle out remains to be seen. But one thing is certain: in the high-stakes game of media relevance, both Shaquille O’Neal and Stephen A. Smith continue to prove they’re at the top of their game.

But wait! Though Smith has yet to respond to this Instagram jibe by Shaq, it is not always the case as once after receiving such comments from Shaq, the analyst didn’t spare a chance to snub him.

Stephen A. Smith recently fired back at Shaquille O’Neal

Following Big Diesel’s comments in July, the outspoken ESPN commentator has aimed at him in the recent Stephen A. Smith show. In an episode of First Take, Smith responded to O’Neal’s latest comments, regarding the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers, JJ Reddick.

The four-time NBA champion had said in his podcast that the newly appointed coach of the Lakers, JJ Reddick, is not fit for the team as players won’t respect him and would not want to work with a coach against whom they have played four or five years ago. Smith had dismissed Shaq’s perspective by saying, “Stop Lying,” on his show. According to Smith, the players will keep on playing as long as they are getting paid and Shaq would also have done the same.

The exchange between Smith and O’Neal is just the latest chapter in their ongoing feud. While their public squabbles may be entertaining for some, they also highlight the often contentious relationship between athletes and media personalities.

Stay tuned for more such updates and join us for the exciting second episode of the “Dual Threat Show” as our host BG12 sits down with Georgia Bulldogs star and Mountain West All-Freshman Team Selection, Asia Avinger.