“He doesn’t even consider me a colleague!” Shaquille O’neal shouted after the live show ended… During the recent live show, Shaq and Kenny Smith had a heated argument on air and after the show ended, Shaquille O’neal couldn’t control his emotions and shouted.

Shaquille O’Neal Explodes Backstage: A Heated Argument with Kenny Smith Sparks Chaos After Live Show

It was supposed to be another entertaining and insightful episode of Inside the NBA, the beloved TNT basketball analysis show. Known for its mix of expert opinions, humor, and playful banter, the show has long been a fan favorite, thanks to the chemistry between its iconic hosts: Ernie Johnson, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Shaquille O’Neal. However, what unfolded during the latest live broadcast—and even more dramatically after the cameras stopped rolling—would become one of the most talked-about moments in the history of the show.

Shaquille O’Neal, the larger-than-life NBA legend turned analyst, found himself in the middle of an explosive argument with Kenny Smith. While disagreements are common on the show, this particular clash went far beyond the usual friendly banter. By the end of the night, Shaq was shouting backstage, his booming voice echoing through the hallways of the TNT studio: “He doesn’t even consider me a colleague!”

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The Build-Up: Tensions Rise During the Live Show

The episode started off as any other. Ernie Johnson, the ever-professional host, introduced the night’s topics: playoff predictions, debates about MVP candidates, and a breakdown of the recent performances of star players. Shaq and Kenny, sitting side by side, seemed relaxed as they joked with Charles Barkley, who was already stirring the pot with his usual antics.

However, as the discussion shifted to the topic of leadership among NBA players, things began to heat up. Kenny Smith, a former NBA champion known for his analytical approach, made a comment that seemed to strike a nerve with Shaq.

“I think leadership isn’t just about dominating the court,” Kenny said. “It’s about elevating your teammates, making them better. That’s why guys like Steph Curry and LeBron James are so special. They don’t just play great—they lead great.”

Shaq, who has always prided himself on his dominance during his playing days, raised an eyebrow. “Hold up, Kenny,” he interjected. “You’re saying dominating isn’t leadership? When I was on the court, I didn’t just dominate—I led my team to championships. Dominance is leadership.”

Kenny shook his head, clearly disagreeing. “I’m not saying you didn’t lead, Shaq. But leadership is more than just being the biggest guy on the court. It’s about communication, teamwork, and sacrifice. Sometimes, dominance can overshadow those things.”

The Argument Escalates

Shaq’s expression darkened, and his voice grew louder. “So what are you saying, Kenny? That I wasn’t a good leader? That I didn’t make my teammates better?”

Kenny, sensing Shaq’s frustration, tried to clarify his point. “I’m not attacking you, Shaq. I’m just saying leadership comes in different forms. You were dominant, but there’s more to it than that.”

But Shaq wasn’t having it. “You don’t know what you’re talking about,” he shot back. “You were a role player, Kenny. You don’t know what it’s like to be the guy everyone looks to, the guy who carries the team.”

The tension in the studio was palpable. Ernie Johnson, ever the mediator, stepped in to try to diffuse the situation. “Alright, guys, let’s keep it civil,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “We’re here to have a discussion, not a shouting match.”

Charles Barkley, meanwhile, couldn’t resist stirring the pot. “Oh boy,” he said with a grin. “Here we go again. Shaq’s getting sensitive.”

The comment only added fuel to the fire. Shaq turned to Charles, his booming voice cutting through the laughter. “Stay out of this, Chuck. This isn’t about you.”

The Breaking Point

As the show continued, the argument between Shaq and Kenny simmered but didn’t fully subside. The tension was evident in their body language and the sharpness of their exchanges. By the time the cameras stopped rolling, it was clear that the disagreement had gone beyond the usual playful banter.

Backstage, the situation reached its boiling point. As the crew packed up and the hosts prepared to leave, Shaq confronted Kenny directly.

“You don’t respect me,” Shaq said, his voice low but intense. “You don’t even see me as a colleague.”

Kenny, taken aback, tried to respond. “What are you talking about, Shaq? Of course I respect you.”

But Shaq wasn’t listening. His frustration had reached its peak, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. “No, you don’t,” he shouted, his voice echoing through the studio. “You sit there and act like you’re better than me, like you know more about the game. But let me tell you something—I’ve been to the top. I’ve won championships. I’ve carried teams. You don’t know what that’s like.”

The crew and other hosts watched in stunned silence as Shaq vented his anger. Ernie Johnson stepped in, trying to calm him down. “Shaq, let’s take a step back,” he said, his tone soothing. “We’re all here because we love the game and respect each other. Let’s not let one argument ruin that.”

Kenny’s Response

Kenny, visibly shaken but determined to stand his ground, responded calmly. “Shaq, I’ve never disrespected you. I have nothing but admiration for what you’ve accomplished. But we don’t have to agree on everything. That’s what makes this show great—different perspectives.”

Shaq, still fuming, shook his head. “Different perspectives are fine. But don’t sit there and act like I don’t know what leadership is. I’ve been a leader my whole life.”

Kenny nodded. “I hear you, Shaq. And I respect that. But leadership isn’t just about being dominant—it’s about lifting others up. That’s all I was trying to say.”

The Aftermath

The argument backstage left the crew and hosts shaken. While disagreements are common on Inside the NBA, this one had gone far beyond the usual playful banter. The tension between Shaq and Kenny was palpable, and it was clear that the incident would have lasting repercussions.

As news of the backstage blow-up leaked to the media, fans took to social media to discuss the drama. Some sided with Shaq, arguing that his dominance on the court was a form of leadership. Others defended Kenny, praising his thoughtful perspective on the topic.

“Shaq is a legend, but Kenny made a valid point,” one fan tweeted. “Leadership isn’t just about being the best—it’s about making others better.”

Meanwhile, others criticized both hosts for letting the argument get out of hand. “Come on, guys,” another user wrote. “You’re supposed to be professionals. Save the drama for the Kardashians.”

A Public Apology

In the days following the incident, both Shaq and Kenny addressed the situation publicly. During the next episode of Inside the NBA, Ernie Johnson opened the show with a heartfelt statement.

“Last week, we had a heated discussion that went a little too far,” he said. “We’re a family here at Inside the NBA, and like any family, we sometimes have disagreements. But at the end of the day, we respect and care about each other.”

Shaq, looking visibly remorseful, took the opportunity to apologize. “I got a little heated last week,” he said. “I’m passionate about the game, and sometimes that passion gets the best of me. Kenny, I respect you, and I’m sorry if I made you feel otherwise.”

Kenny accepted the apology with grace. “It’s all good, big fella,” he said, smiling. “We’re here to share our opinions and have honest discussions. That’s what makes this show great.”

An Unforgettable Moment

The argument between Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith will go down as one of the most dramatic moments in the history of Inside the NBA. It was a raw and unfiltered look at the passion and pride that drives the show’s hosts—and a reminder that even the closest colleagues can clash when emotions run high.

For Shaq and Kenny, the incident was a learning experience that ultimately strengthened their bond. And for fans, it was yet another reason to tune in to Inside the NBA, where the drama is as compelling as the basketball analysis.