Charles Barkley had the time of his life in the TNT studio on Tuesday in the absence of Shaquille O’Neal. Just to make things clear, the ‘Big Aristotle’ wasn’t fired. He had taken up a different role for Tuesday’s ‘Inside the NBA’ broadcast. Still, for a day without the 4x NBA champion in the studio, his co-hosts were clearly over the moon.

The latest episode of Barkley and Ernie Johnson’s ‘The Steam Room’ podcast was shot on Tuesday before the NBA games commenced. Later that day on ‘Inside the NBA’, the duo was joined by WNBA legend Candace Parker, and Barkley couldn’t have been happier.

Is Charles Barkley free of Shaquille O’Neal?

Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley were thrilled to have the 3x WNBA champion in the studio with them and they didn’t hide their excitement. But as soon as the ‘Chuckster’ realized she was there in place of Shaq, he couldn’t help but take a dig at O’Neal.

“Thank God we fired his fat a**! It’s about time. First of all, we got better looking, and we lost 400 lbs! This is gonna be big,” Barkley proclaimed. Barkley’s “fat a**” comment is not new to regular viewers. He has used the brash dig many times, and it still gets a chuckle out of fans. However, Parker seemed to have taken some offense to that statement. At least, Barkley thought she did.

Trending

Shaq Warns Lakers Locker Room Of Jeanie Buss Game Plan If Darvin Ham & Co Fail Vs Nuggets

April 24, 2024 09:42 PM EDT

Heat Injury Report: Latest On Jimmy Butler, Terry Rozier, Duncan Robinson Ahead of Game 2 vs Celtics

April 24, 2024 02:46 PM EDT

Joel Embiid Banned By Empire State Building After Dangerous Incident On Court With Mitchell Robinson

April 26, 2024 02:59 AM EDT

“So Rigged”: All Hell Breaks Loose as Jamal Murray Forces LeBron James’ Lakers Into Bitter Embarrassment

April 23, 2024 06:21 AM EDT

“It’s Just Basketball”: LeBron James Rambles About Anxiety After Lakers Fall To Nuggets At Home

April 26, 2024 07:55 AM EDT

Get instantly notified of the hottest NBA stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.

Follow Us

Chuck asked, “Wait, why are you mad at me? Those were straight facts. You’re much better looking.” But then he changed his wording a little. “We’re probably losing about 275 lbs difference. Well, I had to be sure coz she called me out. It’s probably about a 275 lbs difference there.” This led to all three of them laughing before they changed the subject to basketball.

O’Neal’s absence on the set was disappointing for some fans but he was not MIA. The 4x NBA champion was instead in the commentary booth at Kaseya Center in Miami for the In-Season Tournament game between the Miami Heat and the Milwaukee Bucks.

While he enjoyed his day in Florida, the ‘Inside Guys’ certainly enjoyed having a new person in the studio. Overjoyed, Barkley took the first shot as soon as they made introductions. With Kenny ‘The Jet’ Smith cheering along with him, Barkley joked, “About time y’all fired that big loop.” But that wasn’t all.

Watch This Story: Father Of 6, Shaquille O’Neal Finds Himself Irked By One Child On Luxurious Bahamas Getaway

‘Inside the NBA’ hosts enjoyed Shaquille O’Neal’s absence

During the show, the ‘Chuckster’ claimed how happy he was with Parker replacing Shaq. Carrying on his praise from ‘The Steam Room’ podcast, he stated, “You’re so much more beautiful than Shaq. You’re so much smarter than Shaq.” However, the ‘Big Diesel’ wouldn’t let Barkley have a field day.

The Heat franchise had a special jersey for O’Neal on Tuesday night. Before anyone could say anything, especially his co-commentator, Reggie Miller, ‘Shaq’ cleared the air. “I know what you’re gonna ask me. Yes, I can fit it. Yes, I can still fit it. This is Shaq, not Charles Barkley. I look good,” the 51-year-old stated, smoothly giving back.

While Barkley might act like he was happy with Shaq’s absence on the set, people are pretty sure the 1993 NBA MVP misses his buddy. What are your thoughts on Barkley’s latest jab at O’Neal? Let us know in the comments.

24.7 Million People Watch as Shaquille O’Neal Destroys Charles Barkley in 4 Words