A little fun way to get in shape is headbanging to DJ Diesel. Joel Embiid certainly made it look fun. He took a minor victory lap after Team USA’s strong exhibition opener at the Encore Beach Club in Las Vegas. And who happened to be deejaying there? His favorite analyst who moonlights as a DJ, Shaquille O’Neal. Embiid’s disappointing showing against Canada made him the target of harsh criticism online. But partying with Shaq erased that out of memory.

The pre-Olympics exhibition in Las Vegas was not the only thing that drew Shaq to his favorite city. Between announcing a $16 million youth facility in northeast Vegas, he had a two-night performance at Encore Beach Club. Joel Embiid savored his most recent win at Shaq’s set and there’s plenty of proof for it. The club and Shaq himself (through his DJ Diesel page) shared the clips of them partying at Shaq’s console.

It wasn’t only Embiid. 2022 ROTY, first-time All-Star, gold-winning FIBA champ, and Toronto Raptors star, Scottie Barnes was also at the club. He didn’t join Shaq and Embiid on stage but posted his proof of attendance at the club. While he’s also been a formidable presence in Team USA in the youth games, Barnes is not playing in the Olympics. Looks like he was here to watch the exhibition in T-Mobile Arena and enjoy DJ Diesel’s set.

Embiid was briefly seen telling Shaq something while on stage. What it was is a secret between two Olympians. Before he was a 4x NBA champion, Shaq had led Team USA to a gold in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. On his way to the first Olympics, Embiid could get some of the gold fairy dust from the veteran. He certainly needs it after a less-than stellar start.

Joel Embiid’s parties the disappointment away with Shaq

Team USA’s track to Paris started on a winning note with an 88-72 win over Canada, but the process was a bit soured for The Process. There was a lot of expectation when the Cameroonian opted to represent USA in his first Olympic appearance. That fell apart 12 minutes into the game when he got fouled out with only 5 points and 6 rebounds to show for himself.

Not only fans, former NBA pro, Channing Frye criticized him. On the Road Trippin’ podcast, Frye blasted Embiid’s performance saying, “Joel Embiid is flatout out of shape. Like he can’t move, he has no energy. It’s just like, man, where’s your commitment? You chose to be on Team USA… This could be the greatest competition the USA has ever had.” 

Normally such criticism came from Shaq. But he’s preoccupied with his deejaying and philanthropy. Team USA have four more pre-Olympic games lined up, four more chances for Embiid to redeem himself. Hopefully Shaq helped him stay focused.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.