Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley have a well-known rivalry that extends beyond their basketball careers. With an 11-8 winning record against Barkley, O’Neal has always enjoyed their competitive moments. Recently, Shaq recalled his favorite win in this rivalry.
Shaq shared a clip of this memorable event on his Instagram story, reminding fans of a fun yet intense showdown that took place over a decade ago.
In May 2013, NBA fans were treated to an entertaining contest between O’Neal and Barkley on the TNT studio floor. The challenge was simple: the first to make a basket would be the winner. Kenny Smith, their fellow crew member, took on the role of the bookie, sealing the friendly competition.
Despite the playful nature of the event, the crew couldn’t help but pick sides. Smith revealed that four crew members placed their bets on Barkley while he and three others backed Shaq.
The challenge quickly turned into a three-point shootout. In the end, Shaq made the crucial shot, securing his victory over Barkley. Although it was a friendly setting, this win has remained a cherished memory for O’Neal.
A recent Instagram post by a fan account brought this iconic moment back into the spotlight. Shaq, reminiscing about the friendly competition, couldn’t resist sharing it with his followers. The post sparked a wave of nostalgia among fans, reminding them of the playful rivalry between the two.
Shaquille O’Neal Ranks Third Among Highest-Paid NBA Players
Shaquille O’Neal’s successful career has not only made him a legendary NBA player but has also significantly boosted his financial status. As of 2024, the retired NBA star’s net worth is $500 million.
Recently, Shaq shared another one of his financial achievements. He posted a picture on his Instagram story highlighting his impressive earnings. The picture featured his third-place ranking among the highest-paid NBA players of all time, with $1.21 billion.
Michael Jordan leads the list, with remarkable earnings totaling $3.75 billion, making him the highest-paid NBA player ever. LeBron James follows closely behind, having recently garnered praise from Shaq.
Other basketball legends on the list of highest-paid players include Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, Stephen Curry, Magic Johnson, Kevin Garnett, Russell Westbrook, and Chris Paul.
