NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal settles scores with stand-up comedian Marlon Wayans during The Big Podcast, where the two engaged in a lively conversation spanning acting careers and basketball. The 46-minute discussion highlighted their friendship, but the focus came when Shaquille O’Neal settles scores over a joke Wayans made in his latest comedy special.
Wayans, who released his latest stand-up special Good Grief on June 4, humorously poked fun at O’Neal, which didn’t go unnoticed by the Hall of Famer. On-air, Shaquille O’Neal settles scores humorously, passing Wayans a can of Liquid Death sparkling water as a symbolic gesture to “even the score.”
During the podcast, O’Neal mentioned that he and Wayans have been friends for about 20 to 30 years, but joked that because of the quip in Good Grief, they now have some “beef.” With his signature humor, O’Neal made sure to keep the tone lighthearted while confronting Wayans on-air. In a playful move, Shaquille O’Neal settles scores, reminding Wayans that their friendship spans over two decades, yet a playful “beef” arose over the special.
“We’ve been friends for what, 20, 30 years? But we have some beef,” O’Neal quipped with a grin. “I don’t have a problem, but I saw your special and I saw what you said about me… and it was funny! So, I have something for you too. Want you to drink this. Go ahead, drink it. I just want to even the score.”
The good-natured exchange took place around the 3:30 mark of the podcast episode, and it was clear that both men were enjoying the banter, with O’Neal using the opportunity to poke fun at Wayans in return. The two maintained a friendly back-and-forth throughout the conversation, underscoring their long history of camaraderie.
In Good Grief, Wayans doesn’t just joke about O’Neal. He also takes aim at another basketball legend, Magic Johnson, showcasing his talent for weaving humor into any topic, even when it involves some of the biggest names in sports. Wayans’ ability to balance humor with respect for his subjects is what makes his comedy resonate with so many viewers.
However, this wasn’t the first time Wayans has taken playful jabs at NBA players. During the podcast, he shared a story involving the late Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol, recounting a moment when Bryant urged him to stop cracking jokes about Gasol during a Lakers game. Wayans, known for his quick wit, had been sitting courtside at the Staples Center when he began making fun of Gasol, who was new to the team at the time.
“I was cracking jokes on Pau Gasol, saying he looked like an ostrich that got pushed into an oil spill,” Wayans recalled with a laugh. “I was cracking all these jokes on him, and Kobe just turned. He said, ‘Yo, chill. That may be my next ring.’ And I was like, ‘Alright, cool, cool.'”
Kobe Bryant was not going to let @MarlonWayans cost him a ring 🤣
Download the Gametime app and used code BIGPOD for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply pic.twitter.com/Gj8CXHvj7M— The Big Podcast (@bigpodwithshaq) September 12, 2024
Bryant’s stern warning to stop poking fun at Gasol clearly left an impression on Wayans, and it’s a moment he still reflects on with fondness. The anecdote provided a glimpse into the close bond Wayans shared with Bryant, a player who was as serious about winning as he was about maintaining team morale.
In the podcast, Wayans continued to reflect on his long career in Hollywood and his interactions with athletes over the years, painting a picture of a man who has spent decades straddling the worlds of comedy and sports entertainment. For O’Neal, hosting Wayans on the podcast was a chance to revisit their shared history while injecting a dose of humor into the conversation.
The exchange between O’Neal and Wayans serves as a reminder of the intersection of sports and entertainment, where athletes and comedians often find common ground. Both O’Neal and Wayans have built successful careers on their larger-than-life personalities, and their podcast conversation offered a snapshot of two icons who don’t take themselves too seriously, despite their respective successes.
The playful “beef” between Shaquille O’Neal and Marlon Wayans underscores the strong camaraderie shared by the two celebrities, both of whom have used humor to navigate the ups and downs of their careers. O’Neal, known for his towering presence both on and off the court, often displays a self-deprecating sense of humor, which makes him a fan favorite in both sports and media. Meanwhile, Wayans has long been celebrated for his ability to craft jokes that land without crossing the line, a talent that has earned him a loyal fanbase. The duo’s conversation on The Big Podcast exemplifies the best of what happens when two icons from different fields come together to share their stories.
Shaquille O’Neal’s response to Marlon Wayans’ jokes was nothing short of brilliant. In true Shaq fashion, he addressed the jokes head-on, blending humor with just the right amount of banter. O’Neal’s willingness to laugh at himself is a testament to his humility, a quality that has endeared him to fans for decades. The way he handled the “beef” with Wayans shows that Shaq is not just a legend in sports but a master of keeping things light while remaining in control of the narrative.
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