It was only a matter of time before former NBA superstar Charles Barkley responded to fellow NBA analyst Shaquille O’Neal for an incident that happened several weeks ago. The Big Aristotle had gone through a stunning physical transformation and cited Barkley as his motivation. The 4x NBA Champion had uploaded a post-workout shirtless picture of himself looking ripped and it immediately went viral. Evidently, now it looks like it’s Chuck’s time to bask in all the attention.

While an athlete is required to exercise regularly and eat right to remain in shape, such habits mostly dissipate after retirement. However, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal immediately began working on his body following a life-threatening news from his doctor.

Charles Barkley works on improving his health

Former NBA star Matt Barnes recently gave an update on 11x NBA All-Star Charles Barkley’s health. In the latest segment called WHAT’S BURNIN from Showtime Basketball, Barnes relayed that he had gone to Atlanta to meet the Round Mound of Rebound for shooting an episode of ALL THE SMOKE. To fans’ surprise, Barnes revealed that the former Phoenix Suns superstar had undergone surgery and lost a couple of pounds as well.

“He said he’s lost about 50 pounds, he said he finally has two good hips. He had hip surgery, he’s slimmed down, he looks good. But you know Charles. I mean he’s one of the voices of basketball. said Barkley. “And to be able to just sit down and talk to him about current media, what he has going on, his future plans in media and just kind of going back over his career, man we had a great time,” Barnes told the host.

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It seems like Chuck eventually got inspired by his colleague Shaquille O’Neal. Just a few weeks ago, Shaq was turning heads with his new physique that even inspired him to become a s*x symbol.

Shaquille O’Neal didn’t want to become like Barkley

In an episode of Logan Paul’s Impaulsive podcast, the host asked him about the viral picture doubting if it was real or photoshopped. The Big Aristotle then went on to show the photo after he had previously admitted that he wanted to become a s*x symbol and pose for an underwear commercial with his sons. Furthermore, Shaq added how Charles Barkley’s post-retirement body motivated him to start shedding pounds.

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The Los Angeles Lakers legend said, “I was looking at myself and I had that Charles Barkley retirement body. And I didn’t want my stomach to be over the belt anymore.”

Seemingly both Shaq and Barkley’s New Year’s resolution was to shed the extra pounds from their body.