There are a ton of factors that impact a player’s performance. Whether it be the training, workout, nutrition, game plan, or overall talent. However, one recent factor that’s caught the attention of the NBA fandom is the presence of courtside people. But, according to Shaquille O’Neal, it isn’t just Jordan Poole who began that conversation. Instead, it has gone on since the big man’s playing days.

Lou Williams tried to play it safe when asked about a celebrity that made him want to “show out”. Rather than give a straight answer, the perennial 6th Man of the Year candidate went the safer route. But the Los Angeles Lakers legend was having none of it.

Watch This Story: Father Of 6, Shaquille O’Neal Finds Himself Irked By One Child On Luxurious Bahamas Getaway

“You’re lying.” As a result, Williams had to reconsider his statement. Instead of celebrities, “it might have been some women in the crowd.” When Lou wasn’t willing to divulge details, the 4x NBA Champion took the onus upon himself. “There’s two.” 

“Sherry Headley from Coming to America. We are at the Garden (Madison Square) and I’m shooting free throws and she walking down. I damn near shoot a airball. And we make eye contact and she gives me a little wink. So now I’m like…I don’t give a f**k what play the call. Throw me that motherf***er every time,” he said. After he acted out during the game and had a fantastic performance, the story saw a tragic end. “Then, after the game, she was in the back with her husband.” 

While this particular one did not pan out, another incident in his career occurred with a different outcome. “Damn, all that for nothing…The second one was Halle Berry. So, I’m dribbling and I see her walk in, I call a timeout. I’m nervous.” However, he didn’t get a chance to show out with Kobe Bryant, exclaiming, “Motherf***er, she here to see me.” 

But that did not mean that the Miami Heat legend did not get any chances with Berry.

The one other chance Shaquille O’Neal got with Halle Berry

During his regular trips to Four Seasons, it was fait accompli for the 7-footer. “Me and him in the elevator, we going down to the suite. Halle Berry gets in the elevator, my stuttering kicked in all the way.” Unfortunately, he could not get a lot of conversation out.

Despite calling himself “smooth”, Shaq was reduced to a stuttering mess looking at his crush. Comparing the reel life to real, he said there was no difference with the beauty and presence that the Monster’s Ball actress had.

Let’s hope their next interaction goes better than the first two. His new and improved physique is already catching the eye of A-listers. Fingers crossed, maybe the third time’s the charm?

Read More: “Damn, she was fine!!”: 57-Year-Old Hollywood Actress Makes Shaquille O’Neal Bow Down to Her Beauty