Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal may have retired over a decade ago, but he isn’t ready to bid adieu to the NBA yet. Being an analyst, Shaq continues to stay connected with the happenings of the game and often gives polarizing takes regarding the stars of the league. While his antics with fellow NBA legend Charles Barkley have been extensively covered, Big Diesel often shows respect for other former players as well. The same was the case recently when Shaq applauded a former Washington Wizards star. The praise comes years after the 3x All-Star had to face the consequences of Shaq’s actions.

Let’s dive deeper into Shaq showering praise on a former NBA star and the 4x NBA champion’s date night from years ago, which gave rise to some major speculations.

Shaquille O’Neal promotes Gilbert Arenas’ ‘NBA Mentality’

‘gamechaingersinc’ recently uploaded a reel featuring former NBA star Gilbert Arenas emphasizing the ‘NBA Mentality’ that he held during his 11-year career. Placing himself on the same pedestal as a ‘demon’, Arenas claimed that he didn’t pay attention either to the score or to the person in front of him. All that mattered was scoring as much as 100 points by himself.

“I trained way too much to even give you a thought in your brain that we’re on the same level,” said Arenas during the interview. “I don’t care if you was ranked No 1 in the state, no 2 in the state. None of that mattered to me.”

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It didn’t matter because, at the end of the day, the 3x NBA All-Star kept the belief in his mind that he trained harder and better than his opponents. Arenas’ confidence was so alluring to the 4x NBA champion Shaq, he couldn’t resist sharing it with his 31.8 Million followers. The two of them share a long history as well.

During one of his episodes of ‘Gil’s Arena’, Agent Zero was asked about the most annoying thing that a fan or a player did while he was shooting free throws. Arenas recalled a moment that took place during a match in Indiana.

Gilbert Arenas once had to suffer the consequences of Shaquille O’Neal’s actions

During that time, a story had broken out that Arenas’ ex-girlfriend, Laura Govan, was pursuing a relationship with Shaquille O’Neal. The news spread amongst fans and NBA enthusiasts like wildfire. While many sympathized with Arenas, others wanted to use it to have some fun.

While Arenas was playing in the game and was taking his position at the free throw line, onlookers started shouting “Shaq, Shaq, Shaq” and two kids were making an inappropriate motion at the same time. The story was too comical for the former player’s co-hosts, who couldn’t help but laugh out loud and clap at what they heard.

While he could laugh about it now, the chant was too distracting for the player during the match. “I hit all backboard,” Arenas recalled. “I missed both free throws, brother. All right, it’s about to be a rough one.”

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All of the complaints now lie in the past. The two former NBA stars continue to maintain a good relationship based on mutual respect.