Shaquille O’Neal and his time in the league need no introduction. However, he is known by millions around the world for more than just his basketball. He is a well-known media personality and an integral part of ‘Inside the NBA’.
The show also features other NBA legends namely Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith alongside the host, Ernie Smith. Recently, Kenny joined Shaq in his fan favorite, The Big Podcast with Shaq.
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Kenny’s introduction to the podcast was more than hilarious as O’Neal got utterly embarrassed. Nichelle Turner referred to Kenny as the man who knows Shaq ‘intimately’. This was enough to trigger Shaquille O’Neal as he set the record straight.
Shaq said, “No, no, no. Strike that off camera. Don’t know ‘he’ in America know me intimately. Let’s just get that straight right now.” Seeing the Los Angeles Lakers legend embarrassed was an interesting sight as he is normally on the opposite end of the spectrum.
How long have Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith worked together?
The ‘Inside the NBA’ show is a fan favorite. The expert analysis given by the panelists and the occasional banter and fun between them rakes in viewership from across the world.
Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal and former Houston Rockets star Kenny Smith are two of the stars of the show. Barkley, Smith, and Ernie Johnson formed the core of the show when O’Neal was still playing in the league.
After his retirement, O’Neal joined the award-winning show in 2011. Shaq and Kenny have worked together for more than a decade now and have taken the show to newer heights.
Imago
NEW YORK, NY – MAY 13: (L-R) Shaquille O’Neal, Ernie Johnson, Kenny Smith, and Charles Barkley appear on stage during the Turner Upfront 2015 at Madison Square Garden on May 13, 2015 in New York City.
25201_002_TW_0792.JPG (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images for Turner)
While the two might have a good relationship now, they shared a fierce rivalry on the court. The two have faced off on 12 occasions in the league and have 6 wins to their name respectively. Out of the 12, 8 have come in the regular season and 4 games in the playoffs.
Although Kenny Smith is on equal terms with Shaq when it comes to the number of wins, he is nowhere near when it comes to individual performances.
Shaq averaged 23.9 points, 13.4 rebounds, and 4.2 assists in the 12 games. On the other hand, Smith averaged 9.0 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. (Source: landofbasketball.com)
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Are you a fan of Inside the NBA? Tell us about your favorite panelists and favorite moments in the comments down below.
