The fans will miss Shaquille O’Neal‘s presence at Inside the NBA. But wait! The Lakers legend isn’t leaving the show. Instead, he will be absent from Friday’s coverage for an unknown reason. However, the crew has a replacement for Shaq. And that is none other than ESPN’s former employee, Jalen Rose.

ESPN had laid off the Indiana Pacers’ legend three years ago. But in light of Shaquille O’Neal’s absence, he will fill in as part of the TNT-produced NBA studio coverage, per Sports Media Watch. Just like most NBA players, who chose the role of an analyst after retirement, Rose comes with experience.

He worked as a sideline reporter for TNT during the 2006 NBA Playoffs. After retiring in 2007, he moved to ABC and ESPN as a SportsCenter analyst. By 2012, he became a host of NBA Countdown and also contributed to Grantland. In 2011, he produced The Fab Five for ESPN. The film earned a 2.1 Nielsen rating, making it ESPN’s highest-rated documentary, and it fueled media debates involving Michigan Wolverines and Duke Blue Devils players.

Additionally, he co-hosted Jalen and Jacoby with David Jacoby until late 2022 and joined Get Up! as a guest analyst in April 2018.  He also joined NBC Sports, TNT Sports, Inside the NBA when it was on TNT, NBA TV, and the 2025 March Madness team with Lisa Byington, Robbie Hummel, AJ Ross, Adam Lefkoe, Seth Davis, and Jay Wright.

So it’s safe to say, Shaquille O’Neal’s temporary shift is in safe hands. Moreover, Jalen Rose has already replaced Kenny Smith during the 2024-25 edition of Inside the NBA on TNT. At the same time, the 53-year-old’s comeback in mainstream media feels like a change, a short-lived one, though.

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Why did ESPN lay off Shaquille O’Neal’s replacement?

On June 30, 2023, ESPN confirmed sweeping layoffs that touched about 20 employees, including familiar faces such as Jeff Van Gundy and Jalen Rose. Although the network declined to reveal the full count or list, sources told CBS MoneyWatch that the layoffs also impacted Max Kellerman, Suzy Kolber, and Keyshawn Johnson. In addition, departures included Matt Hasselbeck, Todd McShay, LaPhonso Ellis, Ashley Brewer, Jason Fitz, and Joon Lee.

Meanwhile, ESPN described the cuts as part of a broader plan to save millions and reach financial targets set for the year. Executives explained that the focus centered on trimming public-facing commentator salaries. The network called the process extremely challenging and acknowledged the major impact these individuals had on the company. Furthermore, Kolber shared on Twitter that the moment felt heartbreaking. Leadership also indicated that a small group faced immediate job losses, while future contract talks would carry tighter cost controls.

Moreover, the decision aligned with sweeping changes at parent company The Walt Disney Company, which planned to eliminate 7000 roles to cut $5.5 billion in costs. Disney operates across entertainment, ESPN sports media, and park experiences and products such as DisneyWorld and Disney Cruise Line. Growth had slowed due to heavy streaming investment, especially in Disney+. Despite reaching 235 million subscribers across Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, soaring production expenses left streaming operations deeply unprofitable.

So after some time off the media, Jalen Rose is making a comeback. This time, he is replacing Shaquille O’Neal in the Inside the NBA studio. Well, the Lakers legend, on the other hand, is busy giving Giannis Antetokounmpo financial and contract advice!