While Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley might not have played together during their time in the NBA, they now form one of the most famous duos in basketball. Barkley and Shaq are two of the most beloved personalities on ‘Inside the NBA’.

Moreover, their pranks and jokes on each other are taken well by fans from all around the world. Needless to say, the two are great friends and are always ready to support each other.

This was clearly evident when O’Neal came to the rescue of his dear friend in a recent interview. Recently, Barkley made headlines all around the world when he rejected a blockbuster deal from a controversial sports tour.

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However, Shaq revealed that he would’ve supported Barkley even if he took on the LIV Golf series job. The 4 time NBA champion said, “No. Charles is a dear friend. I would’ve supported him every which way. Charles is one of those legends, like Bill Russell, that didn’t make a lot of money playing.”

He added, “So if a chance comes up like this at this age that’s legal – controversial but legal – you gotta look at it. If he had accepted it, I wouldn’t be mad. And if Charles had left? You’d still have me.“

Barkley rejected the LIV Golf Series announcing role, despite speculations suggesting that he will accept the job. He committed to his future with Inside the NBA as he has around 3 years left in his contract.

Despite facing some backlash when rumors suggested Barkley might join the controversial sports show, it seems Shaq always has his back. Interestingly enough, during an episode of The Pivot Podcast, Chuck opened up about his mother.

Moreover, Chuck made a rather interesting comment regarding his mother’s spending habits. “I don’t have Shaq’s money. I missed cause you had s*x too soon,” said the Hall of Famer to his mother.

Have Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley played against each other?

Although Shaq and Chuck might be good friends now, they were fierce rivals during their time in the NBA. 

Barkley and Shaq have faced off on 19 occasions with O’Neal having the upper hand with 11 wins. Moreover, 4 of their encounters have come during the playoffs.

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During their matchups, Shaq averaged 25.8 points, 10.7 rebounds, and 2.8 assists. On the other hand, Charles Barkley averaged 22.7 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 4.1 assists. (Source: landofbasketball.com)

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What is your favorite memory of Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley? Let us know in the comments down below.