The long-running banter on Inside the NBA has become as iconic as the basketball games it covers. From Shaquille O’Neal getting hilariously stuck on a Christmas tree to Charles Barkley’s endless list of mispronounced names, the show thrives on its unscripted humor. This dynamic camaraderie has solidified Shaq and Chuck as a comedy duo for the ages. Now that the show has found its new home on ESPN and ABC, there’s nothing but happiness for the cast and the latest clip shared on Inside the NBA’s Instagram might just take the cake—or maybe toss it away.

In a video that quickly went viral, the cast is seen running together, showcasing their attempts at fitness. When Charles Barkley joined the sprint, Shaq quipped, “Suspect is wanted by Ozempic ’cause the drugs don’t work on his fat a–.” This comment by Shaq was a cheeky nod to the diabetes medication that’s been making headlines for its weight-loss side effects.

But behind the humor lies an intriguing subtext. Shaquille O’Neal, a dominant force on the court and a lovable giant on TV, has been candid about his health struggles. Last year, Shaq revealed he had blood work done, a move prompted by a growing concern for his well-being. Facing the looming risks associated with aging and weight, he embarked on a mission to get fit and has eventually lost 60 pounds.

“I got a couple people involved — It’s all about eating right,” he told Turner. “I got some blood work done, a friend of mine called me and said, ‘You’re fat,’ and she gave me this guy’s name, and he did some blood work, and you know, ’cause I was the athlete — I wasn’t a salad eater. I won’t pay attention to any of that,” said Shaq in an interview with Entertainment Tonight’s Nischelle Turner.

Besides getting some blood work done, the seven-footer has also set up his own workout routine and a proper diet. He has a strategy that is 20 minutes of cardio to help in blood flow, then specific workouts for the back, triceps, biceps, and chest, as well as sit-ups. Along with this, he also maintains a proper diet by increasing the vegetable count and decreasing the carb and proteins, since his body was low on iron. Surprisingly, he got the whole idea of getting fit so that he doesn’t get ‘the body of Chuck’.

“I was looking at myself and I had that Charles Barkley retirement body. I didn’t want my stomach to be over the belt anymore. So I was just like, ‘Let me go ahead and get slim.” said O’Neal in a podcast with Logan Paul.

While the “Wanted by Ozempic” comment was undoubtedly funny, it highlights the very real pressures to maintain health and fitness. Shaq’s decision to take control of his own health, undergoing blood work and committing to weight loss, speaks volumes. It’s not just about vanity or public image—it’s about longevity and quality of life. However, even though Shaq was laughing with the cast in the video, there’s still one thing that is looming for the Lakers icon.

Shaquille O’Neal still doesn’t have a proper contract for his show

After weathering a storm of legal disputes between TNT and the NBA over broadcasting rights, Inside the NBA finally secured a new home through ESPN syndication for the next season. The two good things that happened were that this resulted in a $350 million profit for the show and also offered fans relief that the beloved show would continue. However, just as the dust settled, another challenge emerged.

The problem is that Shaquille O’Neal reportedly doesn’t have a signed contract for the show’s next chapter. He has been a cornerstone of Inside the NBA, bringing his blend of basketball insight and comedic genius to millions of viewers. Yet reports suggest that O’Neal’s contract situation remains unresolved as the show transitions to ESPN’s expanded audience.

“O’Neal has a slightly different deal than his three castmates because they do other things for WBD, including the NCAA tournament. Shaq’s deal is strictly for the NBA and it’s up in about eight months. While sources say Shaq wants to remain on the show, he’s frustrated that there has been congratulations and press releases hyping that Inside the NBA is remaining the same while he is currently not under contract to be with the company next season,” said Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated.

The uncertainty raises questions about whether Shaq will remain on the panel or if contract negotiations might disrupt the show’s signature dynamic. For fans, the prospect of Inside the NBA without Shaq is hard to imagine.