The current TNT crew as we know them have been together for over a decade. Their last addition was the 4x NBA champion in 2011, the other three have been together since the beginning of the 2000s. Since they’ve worked so closely for so many years, it’s a no-brainer that they’d have an infectious chemistry between them, and it shows every time they take center stage.

Recently, Shaq’s TV buddy sat down with NBA India for a conversation. The 2x NBA champion talked about his “little big brother” and explained what makes the Big Man so special in his eyes.

Shaquille O’Neal brings smile to people’s faces

The TNT crew is like a breath of fresh air for basketball fans. Not only do we get to see some of the NBA’s biggest names on sports TV, but they top it all off with hilarious anecdotes and banter. Watching Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley get on each other’s nerves while Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson struggle to control their laughter is an absolute treat. More importantly, the four of them look like a tight-knit family and outside the studio, only have great things to say about one another. Recently, Smith sat down for an interview where he was asked about his TV family.

During the conversation, The Jet talked about Shaq. The 58-year-old had a wide smile on his face as soon as his name was brought up in the interview. Smith said Shaq is like a “little big brother” to him. The NBA veteran said that the LA Lakers legend is a little brother who is “Much bigger than you. Who could pick you up and throw you out.” Smith said that getting to work with such great people and forming a close friendship has been a joy for him.

The Inside the NBA show often produces some of the most hilarious sports TV moments. However, they’re also known for giving minor heart attacks to their fans.

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When Shaquille O’Neal planned his accident on TV

The regular audience of their highly successful show will list out hundreds of moments from the show where one would have to catch a breath. From Shaq’s “What you said, Chuck?” to Barkley’s beef with San Antonio women, they have their own ways of having fun on national television.

One incident in particular stands out when Shaq planned his crash on set. The Big Man had asked Kenny to shove him into the Christmas tree as they ran toward the back wall. The Big Man thought that it would be a funny bit, instead, it ended up becoming a worry for his fans. Later, Kenny revealed that it was Shaq’s plan to do it.

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