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“Shaq Never Gonna Grow Up”: Shaquille O’Neal’s Prank on Ex-NBA Star Has NBA Twitter “Crying”

Published 01/11/2023, 8:13 AM EST

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Each week, NBA on TNT has a list of shows that are highly sought after by NBA fans. One of them includes TNT’s Tuesday Night show featuring host Adam Lefkoe, Shaquille O’Neal, and Candace Parker. For two seasons, Dwyane Wade was a part of this pack. However, he chose to focus on other endeavors and left the table this season. Following this, towards the latter half of 2022, Jamal Crawford signed a deal with the show, replacing DWade.

Earlier today, Crawford joined the Tuesday Night crew bumbling with excitement and jitters. Lefkoe and Parker welcomed him with high words of praise. But like always, Shaq strived to be unique. In a well-orchestrated setup, Lefkoe asked Crawford if he was ready to face Shaq’s shenanigans every week. The three-time NBA Sixth Man of the Year replied, “I do, I do. Shaq is all the things, he has a good heart”. Shaq reacted to this comment pretty quickly in the most bizarre way possible.

Shaquille O’Neal pranks Jamal Crawford

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Meanwhile, Shaq was curious to know if Crawford was afraid of him. When he learned that Crawford wasn’t, the Hall of Famer challenged the ex-NBA star to look him in the eye. Jamal refused but Shaq insisted. Eventually, they two looked at each other and Shaq yelled, “Hit it”.

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Crawford was perplexed, unaware of the Big Diesel’s prank. As he tried to understand the meaning behind Shaq’s words, a boatload of popcorn fell on his head from atop, catching him completely off guard. The studio was hurled into a fit of laughter, as Crawford jumped up and down trying to dust off the popcorn and enacting an awkward dance to shake off the shock. On the other hand, Candace Parker was upset that she wasn’t in on the prank.

Shaq, who couldn’t stop laughing, yelled, “Got him! Got him! Welcome! Welcome to the show!” With this prank, Crawford was finally familiarized with Shaq’s way of working on the broadcast team. This was his first real teaser to all the fun and entertainment that the season would unfold. As the video of the prank went viral, fans were quick to react.

A laughter feast for NBA Fans

Fans all across Twitter were left in tears by this prank. They quickly commented about Crawford’s reaction and claimed that Shaq looked like a little boy executing this prank. Fans were floored by how innocent Crawford looked throughout the 40-odd-second video clip. Some wrote that this prank was Shaq’s way of showing love to the ex-NBA star. Here are some of the reactions:

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Watch this story-  $400 Million Rich Shaquille O’Neal Used Elvis Presley Marilyn Monroe and Playboy to Earn Millions

Following this prank, it will be interesting to see if Crawford has a trick up his sleeve to get back at Shaq and the crew. What do you think about Shaq’s prank? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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Written by:

Shriya Rajachandra

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Shriya Rajachandra is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She earned a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Psychology, and Communicative English. Shriya previously interned at The New Indian Express, but her favorite journalist, Marcus Thompson motivated her to start writing about basketball.
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Edited by:

Satagni Sikder