Fans of Inside the NBA are used to witnessing Charles Barkley and his colleague Shaquille O’Neal engage in spirited debates. Their verbal clashes over differing opinions are common. And that is one of the reasons why the show remains so entertaining. But what about a clash of skills between the two basketball legends—a 1v1 game, to be precise? When posed with this situation with a question, the ESPN analyst didn’t hesitate.

While he acknowledged it was an intriguing thought, Smith had a clear answer. He believed Shaq would be the first to falter in such a matchup. The analyst recounted an instance when he saw O’Neal dunking a basketball, only to notice the big man visibly exhausted. In contrast, Barkley, who often showcases his odd yet effective golf swings, doesn’t seem bothered to hide abdominal fat. 

He said, “That’s a good damn question because you know I saw Shaq do a dunk in studio the other day, he was breathing heavy he was breathing heavy and Chuck he ain’t trying to hide that belly, he ain’t trying to hide.”

“I love them bot. They’re my brothers. I’m gonna have to go with Shaq, right because I don’t know if Barkley’s gonna shoot jump shots and I know Shaq’s big a– take it to the hole anytime he wants to until he’s 80,” he continued on his show.

Both Shaq and Chuck have faced challenges with weight over the years. Whether they inspired each other or not, both legends adopted better diets and fitness routines. Shaq, for instance, struggled with sleep apnea. After his doctor urged him, the Los Angeles Lakers legend began to take his health more seriously. He also began his regular exercise and a strict diet.

In a recent episode of The Big Podcast, Shaq revealed that he still struggles with staying hydrated, admitting he doesn’t drink enough water. As a matter of fact, he confessed that he hates water. Aside from this, he appeared relatively healthy, though Smith’s claims show it’s clear that he still needs to prioritize his well-being.

Although it is certainly good to know that these three peas might fit in a pod since Smith will get to see more of Shaq and the Philadelphia 76ers legend Charles Barkley now.

Inside the NBA’s move to ESPN

TNT’s failure to secure the NBA broadcasting deal has put Inside the NBA in jeopardy. Several individuals, including some cast members, had expressed concerns about the show’s future. Smith was also one of them. Offering some relief to fans, it was revealed just recently that the show will move to ESPN where Smith is, following the 2024-25 season.

This news has reignited hope among fans, with some speculating that Stephen A. Smith might join the cast. However, an ESPN executive quickly clarified that there are no plans to add Smith to the show. 

“And that’s because, frankly, the construct of the deal really doesn’t — that’s not how it was conceived. What is conceived is that Turner, as they have always done with this show, with this cast, with the people involved behind the scenes, are going to continue to do what they’ve always done. We don’t want to change it, we don’t want to interject new talent into it. We don’t want to really do anything to it,” ESPN president Burke Magnus said in an interview with SI.

Furthermore, Smith’s contract with ESPN is set to expire in June. However, he has also already accepted a new $90 million/5-year contract with the media giant which just might include some surprises for all.

While it has been announced that the current cast will continue on the show in 2025, uncertainty lingers. That is because, Shaquille O’Neal’s deal with Warner Bros. Discovery is set to expire in July 2025, leaving the show’s long-term future unclear. It seems we’ll have to wait until next year.