Slapgate Victim Chris Rock Stands Vindicated as Shaq Calls Him an “Inspiration” Alongside Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson

Published 04/21/2022, 11:30 AM EDT

When one talks about the greatest players to play in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal simply cannot be ignored. Moreover, he had the privilege of being mentored by someone as great as Magic Johnson while he was young.

Talking on The Big Podcast with Shaq, the former Los Angeles Lakers center, talked about his inspirations. However, the list contained a rather interesting name. It was Chris Rock. The comedian went viral following the incident with Will Smith during the Oscars.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Shaquille ONeal vs Magic Johnsons net worth: Is the gentle giant richer than his idol?

Shaquille O’Neal names an unlikely source of inspiration

Winning an NBA title is no joke, and Shaquille O’Neal has 4! Furthermore, he boasts of a glittering trophy cabinet comprising awards like the MVP award, 3 Finals MVP awards and also the Rookie of the Year award.

When one takes inspiration from the likes of Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson, a winning mentality is instilled within them. The same applies to Shaq.

Talking on The Big Podcast with Shaq, he talked about the people who inspired him. Interestingly enough, the list also contains the name of a certain comedian who is making all the headlines around the world.

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It is none other than Chris Rock. Shaq said, “That’s the reason why I try to be smooth like Dr J, I try to smile all the time like Magic Johnson, I try to be super focused and dominant like Michael Jordan and I try to be silly like Chris Rock. I’m a combination of different people. People that inspire me.”

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Although Shaq is inspired by Jordan and Magic, he never misses a chance to call them out. After the Los Angeles Lakers‘ humiliating playoffs exit this season, Shaq bashed Magic for blaming LeBron James.

All of this started when Magic bashed LeBron for choosing Russell Westbrook in place of DeMar DeRozan. Shaq was not one to keep quiet as he let his thoughts out.

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He said, “ I don’t think Magic should come and say haahaahaa cause it don’t matter. When Magic was in-charge, Magic did the shit the way he wanted to do, and that’s who we all got it from, him.” Although O’Neal took direct shots at Johnson, it seems the Lakers legend is not in the mood to fight with his apprentice.

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Written by:

Abhinava is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. He is currently pursuing his Bachelor's in Journalism and Mass Communication. Abhinava has been following NBA for the past 6 years and is a huge fan of the Golden State Warriors and Stephen Curry.

Edited by:

Ajinkya Aswale

Slapgate Victim Chris Rock Stands Vindicated as Shaq Calls Him an “Inspiration” Alongside Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson

Shaquille O’Neal names an unlikely source of inspiration

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