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Shaquille O’Neal Issues $666,000 Challenge to Michael Jordan’s Iconic Teammate Scottie Pippen in a Battle Involving Their Kids: “I’m Gonna Need About 7 Months”

Published 12/06/2022, 3:50 PM EST

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After an illustrious NBA career, Shaquille O’Neal has indulged himself in several professions. Most notably, the Big Diesel is an affluent investor with several profitable assets. Moreover, he also works as an analyst on the 11-time Emmy-winning show ‘Inside the NBA’. Furthermore, the Los Angeles Lakers legend also has his podcast, ‘The Big Podcast with Shaq’. And during a recent episode, he seemed to have no problem in testing out the waters with an old rival, Scottie Pippen.

Pippen is popular for being the right-hand man to Michael Jordan during the Chicago Bulls’ dominance in the 1990s. A six-time NBA champion, he made around $110 million over his 18 seasons in the NBA. In recent times, the seven-time All-Star became the subject of scrutiny for harshly targeting his fellow basketball peers. On his long list of greats was also Shaq.

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Likewise, an opportunity opened up for the highly competitive four-time champion to step on the court once again with Pippen in a two-on-two game. The Big Diesel put up a hefty $660,000 challenge for Scottie Pippen and his son, Scottie Pippen Jr.

Shaquille O’Neal wants to take on the Pippens

What most basketball fans might not know is Pippen offered his company to the public for $333,000. Putting himself on the rental market, the eight-time All-Defensive forward is opening the doors to his home. The offer includes a two-on-two game with the Hall of Famer and his son, who currently plays in the NBA as well. Moreover, the subscriber will also get a private dinner with the Pippens. To cap the night off, the two-time Olympic gold medalist will give a signed copy of his memoir, ‘Unguarded’.

Shaquille O’Neal Destroys Scottie Pippen for Michael Jordan Comments With Crazy Post: “Dont. Don’t Say That!”

However, for Shaq, the only part that concerned him was the two-on-two game. Speaking on his podcast, he left both co-hosts, Nischelle Turner and Spice Adams in shock. Notably, the three-time Finals MVP offered to match the $333,000 in a winner-takes-all battle. Shaq’s teammate would be his elder son, Shareef.

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Shaquille O’Neal said: “I’ll match him and me and Shareef will play against him and his son, and the winner takes that $666,000. Yeah, I said it. You heard what I said. I will match it and me and Shareef will play him and Scottie, best out of seven games. And the winner takes that $666,000.” 

However, the Big Aristotle did put a time clause to prepare for battle. He added, “I’m going to need about seven months.”

This wouldn’t be the first time Scottie Pippen and Shaq would clash on the court against each other. The pair has a long history of battles in the NBA. Notably, Shaq holds the upper hand with a 32-25 record. In those contests, Shaquille O’Neal outplayed his rival averaging 25.8 points, 12.6 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game.

Moreover, Shaq’s dunk against the Portland Trail Blazers still echoes in the Lakers’ history. Even after their NBA careers, the two had an Instagram feud regarding the rivalry between the best five of the Chicago Bulls and the Lakers.

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Interestingly, Shareef O’Neal and Scottie Pippen Jr. are former teammates. The two played for the Los Angeles Lakers during the 2022 Summer League. Now, they are both looking to make their way up the ladder through the NBA’s G League. They recently went up against one another, with Pippen Jr. coming out on top. However, Shaq’s son didn’t get a minute on the floor for his team.

WATCH THIS STORY – Shaquille O’Neal vs Kanye West – All the Twists and Turns So Far in Infamous Controversy

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The battle stage seems to be on fairgrounds. Two NBA Hall of Famers teaming up with their sons for an evening of fierce basketball.

If it did go down, who do you think would win? Let us know your views in the comments below.

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Written by:

Anuj Talwalkar

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Anuj Talwalkar is an NBA writer at EssentiallySports. He is a student studying at NM College in Mumbai, aspiring to pursue sports management to follow his love for sports. Anuj started following the NBA last year, and he loves to combine his passion for writing with his understanding of basketball.
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Edited by:

Veer Badani