When Shaquille O’Neal retired from professional basketball, his first venture was promoting comedy. In partnership with AEG, the Lakers’ legend launched an All-Star Comedy Jam Tour. With performances in more than 20 cities, $450 million worth Kevin Hart too got his first break from Shaq’s venture in 2009. But another comedian, who also worked with SNL, felt his performance was not up to the mark.

Jay Pharoah on Carmelo Anthony’s podcast said, “Not one of my proudest moments, but go ahead.” It was when co-host The Kid Mero, who is also an acclaimed writer and comedian, explained the importance of Shaquille O’Neal’s comedy venture. “Hey look, but your name is out there amongst the Kevin Harts of the world.” Pharoah acknowledged that that was definitely the case, “absolutely,” via 7PM in Brooklyn.

In the same podcast, earlier, Mero also spoke about how people don’t understand the importance of such a venture. “On the low, like Shaq is an important figure in comedy. You wouldn’t think that.”

Back when Shaquille started the tour, his idea was very simple, “I played with many All-Stars on the court and laughed with these All-Stars off the court. I’m happy to present this hand-picked lineup as the first Shaq All-Star tour,” said Mero on 7PM in Brooklyn.

Jeff Clanagan, who also was a partner with the 4x NBA Champion for the 2022 show, said: “What started as an idea between Shaq and I for a comedy show during All-Star Weekend, has grown into a true comedy staple that showcases some of the heaviest hitters in comedy alongside the most promising up-and-comers, and this return feels better than ever.” That event was also in collaboration with Laugh Out Loud founded by Hart.

But another comedian, Desi Banks, has links with both Shaquille O’Neal and Hart. The latter is a mentor and Big Diesel gave Banks a chance on the comedy jam earlier this year.

Shaquille O’Neal explained the importance of comedy

“I’ve seen you change Kevin Hart life,” Banks told via The Big Podcast with Shaq. Hart and the Lakers legend have collaborated and bantered on many occasions. So when Shaquille O’Neal was getting the credit for the comedian’s success, he wanted to rub it in. “Say that again and this motherf—-r will not call me back. Say it again.” Kevin Hart was the headliner act in 2009 but was a last-minute confirmation as per Banks.

Even for the keynote address back in 2013, the 3x Finals MVP wrote about, “Half Serious 70% of the Time: Humor’s Role in Leadership“. It was at the third annual North East Texas Humor Research Conference, held on the campus of Southern Methodist University in Dallas. He further explained by stating “Consider, humor is part of the Shaquille O’Neal brand.”

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This can be seen in the creative ads in collaboration with different brands like Home Depot or his marketing for his own products like the recently launched gummies. That’s why he even helped other comedians to let their creative juices out with his All-Star comedy.