In a lively segment on NBA on TNT in 2016, Shaquille O’Neal, known for his witty banter, playfully roasted his co-analyst Charles Barkley’s acting skills. The catalyst was the news of a potential sequel to the 1996 movie Space Jam, which eventually featured LeBron James and was released in 2021. Barkley, who had a role in the original film with Michael Jordan, innocently asked, “Who’s gonna play me?”
Shaq, quick with a quip, suggested “Jared Sullinger,” a basketball player at the time. The humorous remark elicited laughter from the studio audience. However, the real comedic highlight came when the producers showcased a compilation of Barkley’s scenes from the original Space Jam. Shaq seized the opportunity to mock Barkley’s acting, specifically referencing his role in Kazaam, a movie released the same year as Space Jam, which was a colossal failure.
Shaq even humorously recreated a scene from Space Jam where Barkley loses his basketball powers, exaggerating the twitching uncontrollably moment. Barkley, trying to save face, claimed he got nominated for an Academy Award, but Shaq quickly dismissed it with a firm “No you didn’t.”
Shaq Critiques Barkley’s Acting
The banter continued as Shaq remarked, “And I thought Kazaam was bad! Oh, that was terrible,” emphasizing Barkley’s questionable acting skills. Despite Barkley joking about an Oscars nomination, Shaq wasn’t buying it. It’s worth noting that Kazaam, starring Shaquille O’Neal, faced its own struggles at the box office.
In contrast to the cinematic banter, Barkley’s achievements as a sports analyst on TNT were highlighted. The former NBA MVP, while playfully roasted for his acting, has earned nine Emmy Awards for ‘Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Analyst’ from 2004 onwards.
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The memorable exchange showcased the entertaining dynamic between Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, a duo whose on-screen banter often captivates fans as much as their coverage of NBA games on TNT.