Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have been good friends on and off the court for a long time now. Thus, as good friends do, they often fight. However, their fights are fun to watch for the viewer and make for good entertainment.
Most of their fights happen when they disagree on their opinions regarding some player. That is exactly what happened on the latest installment of NBA on TNT postgame show. After the Clippers’ win against the Phoenix Suns, Shaq was singing praises of Rajon Rondo and what impact he brings to the table. Barkley disagreed and funnily quipped, “don’t get your a** whooped on the first night back at work”
Ever since Rondo has come to the Clippers, all the critics and analysts have touted him to change the fortune of the LA outfit. However, Charles Barkley has always said that the 35-year-old will make an impact only if he comes off the bench.
Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley – A fierce rivalry that blossomed into a friendship
Back in 1999, Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal were leading their respective franchises towards championship glory. Shaq was on his way to becoming the MVP for the Lakers and Barkley had already achieved legend status with the Houston Rockets.
INGLEWOOD, CA – OCTOBER 22: Shaquille O’Neal #34 of the Los Angeles Lakers shakes hands with Charles Barkley #4 of the Houston Rockets
In one Lakers vs Rockets game, Shaq threw the ball right in the face of Barkley, and moments later, a fight ensued between the two. Both of the players started throwing fists at each other. After the game, they both hugged it out in the tunnel, thanks to their mothers. Thus started a beautiful friendship that has stood the test of time.
“I also didn’t think that was going to turn into a fight,” Barkley said (per Awful Announcing). “But first of all, it was an NBA fight, so we fought like girls, and it didn’t last very long. But I wasn’t going to let him embarrass me in front of 18,000 people. So you have to fight at some point, but I’m glad nobody got hurt because he’s a great friend, and I enjoy working with him.”
Charles Barkley and Shaq host the NBA postgame show on TNT together with Candace Parker and D-Wade as special guests.
