TNT Host Sees Shades of Shaquille O’Neal & Charles Barkley in Taylor Swift’s Latest Gesture

“She’s definitely a cultural icon,” that’s how Shaquille O’Neal once described Taylor Swift. And if anyone knows what it takes to be larger than life, it’s Shaq. But according to TNT host Adam Lefkoe, Swift’s impact goes beyond just fame. In fact, during a recent episode of ‘The Steam Room’ podcast, Lefkoe revealed a striking similarity between Swift and two NBA legends—Shaq and Charles Barkley.

How exactly does a global pop star share traits with two Hall of Fame basketball players? Lefkoe had a story to tell. Recalling a trip to a Guardians’ playoff game, he explained how he unexpectedly met Swift in a suite. “She’s super cool and nice, exactly what you’d want someone to be like,” he shared.

But what caught him off guard was Swift’s genuine warmth. “Taylor asks to see my baby, Prince, and she says he might be the cutest baby she’s ever seen… I’m surprised by how down-to-earth and fun she is.”

But that wasn’t all. Lefkoe noticed something even more telling as the game ended. “You know what this is a testament? Chuck is like this. Shaq is like this,” he said. Unlike most celebrities who rush out, Swift stayed back, taking photos with everyone—even when it meant waiting an extra hour. Then came the moment that truly stood out. “She’s reaching in her purse and giving money to the security guards that had to stay late an hour. And you just begin to realize—this is just a good person.”

Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Shaq and Swift’s worlds have collided. During Super Bowl LVIII, O’Neal finally met Swift in person. Posting a picture alongside her and billionaire businessman Jamie Salter, Shaq captioned it, “Finally met @taylorswift. Me and @jamiejsalter gifted her an NFL Judith Leiber bag.”

That meeting was a long time coming. Shaq had previously said, “She’s definitely a cultural icon… I want to meet her.” And while that wish finally came true, it turns out there’s another way Shaq, Chuck, and Swift are all connected.

Shaquille O’Neal can’t escape the Taylor Swift effect

Back in September, Shaquille O’Neal made his NFL predictions on ‘The Big Podcast, locking in his top two teams for the 2024-25 season. But surprisingly, neither of them matched Charles Barkley’s pick. The Inside the NBA legend remains convinced that Philadelphia is destined for championship glory—across all sports, including the Super Bowl. And while the Taylor Swift effect hit Chuck’s wallet hard last season, he hasn’t quite learned his lesson the way Shaq has.

A few weeks later, Shaq doubled down on his football takes, predicting a nine-point win for the Cowboys in their season opener. Maybe it’s the Dak Prescott factor, or maybe it’s just loyalty. After all, Shaq has ties to multiple cities, from Dallas to Atlanta and beyond. But when it comes to football, the Cowboys have long been his go-to team. Or at least, they were.

“Kansas City won the Super Bowl last year, right?” Shaq asked during a podcast episode. When Adam Lefkoe confirmed it, Shaq didn’t hesitate. “I’m going with Kelce.” But Lefkoe had a better way to put it—“You’re going with the Fighting Taylor Swifts.” Shaq tried to make it clear that Travis Kelce was “my boy,” but let’s be real—he’s just as caught up in the Swift effect as everyone else.

Last season, Shaquille O’Neal even headlined the Baltimore Ravens’ tailgate when they faced the Chiefs. He hyped up the crowd, encouraging them to get loud for Swift, who was inside the stadium watching Kelce play. But despite his efforts, the Ravens lost, the Chiefs went on to win the Super Bowl, and Shaq ended up at the championship game in Vegas—where he shared a memorable moment with Swift herself. So, can you really blame him for splitting his loyalties?