Are pigs flying? Shaq’s having a hard time hearing Chuck compliment him. What brought it on? Inside the NBA is live from Indianapolis for the All-Star Weekend. The grand fan experience included concerts with DJ Diesel mixed with the usual analysis. Shaquille O’Neal also brought out his latest collaborator, GAWNE to perform their song, “Chaos.”

While Charles Barkley had a lot to comment on Shaq’s “DJ uniform,” he enjoyed his rap prowess the most. His praise even made O’Neal (faux) emotional. It didn’t end there. TNT viewers compared Shaq to Shrek on X after the performance, which somehow, Chuck didn’t stand for.

Barkley barked at them to “stop being haters,” to his talented best friend. After Chuck told Shaq and Gawne, “That was impressive,” O’Neal thought he needed a sick day. “Chuck gave me a compliment, it’s time to go. Go home. Go home.”

It wasn’t the case before. O’Neal kicked off TNT’s All-Star broadcast behind his DIESEL console at the very same stage in the Indiana Convention Center. Barkley was amused with Shaq’s white tank top and wanted him to cover with a decent shirt. O’Neal skipped the halftime report to catch his breath and Chuck ribbed him for not putting on a “shirt and tie” to get back to his analyst job.

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It’s not uncommon for Shaq and Chuck to go from enemies to buddies in one broadcast. But Barkley’s praise for for his TNT frenemy today was sincere.

Charles Barkley is in awe of Shaquille O’Neal’s kindness

Barkley held genuine admiration for Shaq supporting young artists like Gawne. “No.1 I love the fact that you’re reaching out to the young gun. But man, that was very impressive.”

It’s a fact. O’Neal has not only gifted Gawne a custom Rolls Royce to celebrate their song, he’s always been on the lookout for fresh talent. He brings up-and-coming DJs to his performances and gave previously underrated artists a stage through his Bass All-Stars festival.

Luke Gawne also couldn’t contain his admiration for the Big Aristotle. He told Ernie Johnson that the entire song, from writing it to filming the music video took three days. That’s the efficiency of the platinum-selling athlete-rapper. “He’s not just one of the best rapping athletes, he’s one of the best rappers, period.” 

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The highlight was that Chuck agreed with Gawne. This side of Barkley even gave social media users whiplash. They like it best when they’re bickering. What was your reaction to Chuck complimenting Shaq?