What do you get when an unstoppable force meets zero tolerance for excuses? You get Shaquille O’Neal. Shaquille O’Neal built his career on hard work, discipline, and honesty. Whether calling out teammates who didn’t hustle, shutting down trash talk with dominance on the court, or holding players accountable as an analyst, Shaq has always kept things straightforward and real. Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, LeBron James, and Penny Hardaway were all teammates of Shaquille O’Neal, and they all know it. Another big name and personality was Dennis Rodman, whose time with Shaq on the Lakers was brief but unforgettable. Known as one of the most eccentric players in NBA history and a five-time champion, Rodman’s antics left a lasting impression on the team. However, despite his larger-than-life reputation, there was one habit that didn’t sit well with O’Neal — and he made no secret of it.

“His dresses doesn’t bother me, his hair doesn’t bother me.” Michael Jordan once spoke in favor of his teammate when the reports of The Worm started before the 1998 championship. His ability to defend any position on the hardwood with the same intensity made him a one-of-a-kind player. Despite the cleaning duty on the court, he might have missed the principle to apply to himself, which caused a small problem with Shaq. This came to light once again during a recent podcast conversation.

While speaking to Ashley Nevel, The Big Aristotle did name a starting 5 of Curry, Allen Iverson, Draymond Green, Charles Barkley, and his favorite Lakers teammate, Mike Penberthy. To those who are unaware, in the majority of the Inside the NBA broadcasts, Penberthy’s name comes up as Shaq appreciated him as the best role player on his team. One he likes the least of his Lakers teammate is Dennis Rodman. “I don’t like Rodman because he did something I can never do.” Shaq fumed and continued to reveal more about it.

“When he played with us with the Lakers, he show up late to the pregame meetings eating rice and chicken, never warmed up went and got 20 freaking rebounds a game.” None of those issues mattered to Shaq, but this one did. “After the game, never showered. Went to the club and had all the beautiful girls in LA at his table all over him.” Yes, one of the post-game rituals always includes showering. But the guy was sweating the most after defending the most, but didn’t feel so.

That’s why Shaquille O’Neal called him “smelling like garbage truck water.” He even admitted that girls at the club allegedly had no problem. “Like I thought, I brought the ladies out, Dennis brought the ladies out. He never, and he never showered after the game.”

Shaquille O’Neal’s former championship-winning teammate emphasizes the importance of Rodman

Kobe Bryant, one of the greats of the game, brought 5 championships to the Purple and Gold franchise. 3 of his times were with Shaquille O’Neal, and the two later with Pau Gasol as his running mate. At first, he modeled the game after Michael Jordan, but made some tweaks to be great. His coach once claimed, while giving a speech at the University of North Dakota, and about the most athletic player he ever coached.

The name he took in 2008 was of Dennis Rodman. Seemingly, Kobe Bryant co-signed on the taught. “People obviously think of Jordan first, but as an athlete, Dennis was a freak of nature. In terms of his size, he ran like a deer, he could run all day, he could defend from the one position all the way up to the five.” Rodman would play for the Lakers for only a season, but during that time, he impressed Kobe Bryant.

Even though his post-game hygiene habits might have raised a few eyebrows — much to Shaq’s dismay — Dennis Rodman’s relentless work ethic on the court was undeniable. His hustle, defensive grit, and rebounding instincts were second to none, earning deep respect from legends like Michael Jordan, Phil Jackson, and Kobe Bryant.

That’s why, despite his eccentric behavior and brief stint with the Lakers, Rodman left a mark that went beyond the tattoos and headlines. For all his quirks, The Worm brought an intensity and dedication that even no-nonsense Shaq couldn’t ignore, proving that results, more than routine, earn respect in the NBA.