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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal laughs as he attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Former NBA player Shaquille O’Neal laughs as he attends the unveiling of the Shaq Courts at the Doolittle Complex donated by Icy Hot and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation in partnership with the city of Las Vegas on October 23, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images for Icy Hot)
Between globetrotting on his busy off-season schedule, Shaquille O’Neal makes time for his littlest fans. Big Diesel was strutting in the streets of Hangzhou enjoying the Asian Games and some pizza-driven adventures. He nonetheless got down to some shopping in a must-visit tourist spot and making locals happy. But his cutest fan had the 7’1″ gentle giant smiling ear-to-ear.
The cute moment has surfaced on social media hitting fans with the feels. That reminds many people of another Shaq episode which proved the retired center who terrorized rivals on the court has a way with babies.
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Shaquille O’Neal receives warm welcome in China
Basketball fans in China are excited to receive Shaquille O’Neal recently. He attended the 2022 Asian Games in Hangzhou and even stopped by the 300th location of Papa John’s in Shanghai. He also seemed to have time to explore the city a bit because he was captured at a popular spot.

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MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 21: Shaquille O’Neal looks on prior to a game between the Boston Celtics and Miami Heat at Kaseya Center on May 21, 2023 in Miami, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Hangzhou Sijiqing Clothing Wholesale Market is one of the largest fashion wholesalers in Central China. It’s where visitors get their fashion fix in bulk. Shaq was in the crowded street interacting with fans.
A video of one of the fan interactions is responsible for spreading good vibes on social media right now. In it, the giant is cradling an adorable tot in the cutest hat, proving he’s a giant walking teddy bear. Fans are loving the energy Shaq brings while simply carrying a baby. Some are ready to vote him president, given the classic politician stereotype.
The baby’s parents were taking pictures while some other grown-up fans were taking selfies next to him. But his little friend had Shaq smiling the widest.
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The baby almost seemed reluctant to leave when Shaq returned him to his parents. Big Diesel told him something which was lost in the noise. He’s probably telling the kid that they made Shaq about $200.
Shaquille O’Neal is in Hangzhou clothing wholesale market. 😃😃😃
Welcome @SHAQ pic.twitter.com/G2BXzZVzlL— Sharing Travel (@TripInChina) September 30, 2023
Those are apparently the Big Diesel big babysitting fees. The NBA analyst had announced it himself during another short-lived babysitting stint.
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Shaq’s babysitting diaries
Big Diesel and little kids are the combination the world needs. From letting kiddos rescue him from the pool, to getting schooled by a strict little friend to stay on diet, fans love Shaq’s interactions with kids.
READ MORE: Backtracking on 6-Months-Old AI Stance, Shaquille O’Neal’s $2500000 Aid Tells a Different Story
This year, he had a viral moment when he comforted a young girl during an interview. Shaq paused his interview when he heard the baby crying and brought her onstage to coddle her. She quietened instantly in his hold to which he gloated, “Babies love Uncle Shaq.”
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The dad of six was ready to spoil the girl too but at a cost. “You wanna go to the club too? Hey, babysitting gonna cost you $200. All right, love you. Love you, baby.” Childcare doesn’t get more premium than that.
What did you think about the latest Uncle Shaq moment? Let us know in the comments!
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