Shaquille O’Neal and the Inside the NBA crew are pretty close to each other. Naturally, Ernie Johnson’s mother passing away at 94 hurled everyone into a sombre mood. In the recent episode, all three of the show’s members, except Johnson, who was at home mourning with his family, ventured to pay their tributes to his mother. The Lakers legend along with others had a lot of heartfelt words to say for Lois Marjorie Johnson. The show was filled in by Kevin Frazier in the absence of Ernie Johnson.

Shaq, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith were close to Lois Johnson and reiterated that on the show. They also mentioned how her values and morals are reflected in how Ernie Johnson is as a human being.

Shaquille O’Neal and Inside the NBA crew share heartfelt words for Lois Marjorie Johnson

The Inside the NBA crew are ‘tight’ and their tribute to Marjorie Johnson reflected that emotion. Charles Barkley started off by mentioning how he was close to both the parents of Ernie Johnson. The 76ers legend couldn’t help but praise their parenting skills.

Kenny Smith mentioned how the show has created a “brotherhood” among the four of them. However, the unfortunate part of the close relationship is feeling the same pain as a son would in moments like this.

Shaq was emotional as well, and he went on to describe how he felt about Johnson’s family. In an articulate manner, the Lakers legend became honest about what he really felt about the sad demise of Marjorie Johnson.

“My condolences to Ernie and his family, I know it is a tough moment” said Shaq. He further added, “But 94 years old she lived a great life, and she raised a great son. Ernie’s the finest gentleman I’ve ever met in my life, and I’m honored to be sitting here. You know, we joke about our 1989 thing, but when I was in high school to have somebody famous come interview me and now I’m sitting by him[is an honor]”

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The Los Angeles Lakers legend has always been a family man and no one would understand Johnson’s pain better than him. As the years went by, Shaq lost a lot of people close to him and he’s still dealing with the agony of those loses.

Shaq’s love for friends and family transcends everything

One can be sure that Ernie Johnson would have Shaq beside him as soon as he returns as the big man values relationships. He has credited a lot of his life to friends and family.

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In his recent documentary Shaq, it was revealed how the Big Man couldn’t stop crying after his father’s demise back in 2013. The documentary also revealed how the unfortunate loss of Kobe Bryant and his sister still gives him sleepless nights.