Shaquille O’Neal Almost Breaks Down on National TV After TNT Co-Hosts Pull Heartfelt Prank on Proud Father

It is an emotional night for Shaquille O’Neal. The Los Angeles Lakers legend’s daughter has finally made it to the McDonald’s All-American team. The last time someone from the O’Neal family achieved this historic feat was Shaq himself 25 years ago. To make it extra special for the Big Diesel, Inside the NBA decided to pull a wholesome prank on him with Candace Parker in the lead. 

TNT analyst Adam Lefkoe started, “Candace, you are doing highlights, I don’t see this person on the rosters”. The WNBA star replied, “Yeah, ’cause it doesn’t have playoff implications, it’s just one of the best ballers in the households of the O’Neals”, as Me’arah’s highlights from her All-American game aired on live television. Parker continued to drop a play-by-play analysis of Me’arah’s game, crediting her footwork, ball movement, and free throw shooting. 

Well, this was enough to make the big man emotional. The 4x champion thanked Candace Parker, not just for the analysis, but also for being a role model for Me’arah. Shaq couldn’t control his emotions as he credited the 3x champion. He shared, “Yeah, you going to make me cry Candace. Go to break, go to break. We want a commercial now”. 

Even during such an emotional moment, Parker found a way to bring laughter to the sets of Studio J. As the highlights of Me’arah’s free throw shooting aired on the television, Parker shared, “Listen, she is shooting free throws. Already better than her daddy. Better than her daddy!”, mocking the LA champion’s inability to shoot free throws. However, that did not stop Shaq from giving Parker her flowers. 

Shaquille O’Neal shares how Candace Parker influenced Me’arah O’Neal 

Right after Me’arah’s highlight ended, Shaq revealed, “I used to make her watch you(Parker). So, thank you. When she was little, I always told her, just to test her, ‘Can’t play with the boys’. And that will drive her crazy. Like she will cry, I’ll bring her back in…Listen, I’m proud of her, I’m proud of all my children. Because of women like you(pointing at Parker) you know, she is able to do this. So, thank you”

Read more: “Look at His Little B***y”: Shaquille O’Neal’s TNT Co-Host Takes BTS Revenge for Flower Girl Taunt on Live TV

Parker’s career in the WNBA has been a historic one and it has not come to an end yet. The 6’4 forward’s all-around performance has been an inspiration for many and Me’arah has followed in the footsteps of the Las Vegas Aces star. Well, we will soon see Me’arah in the WNBA, and let’s hope she carries the legacy of Parker. 

Read more: “Hurt” Shaquille O’Neal Avoids Candace Parker After Hilarious Starting-Five Snub