Shaquille O’Neal Once Took Rival’s ‘Laughter’ Away With Brutal Hit to Sternum

Former NBA player Brendan Haywood made an interesting revelation about facing the legendary Shaquille O'Neal on the Run Your Race Podcast.

Shaquille O’Neal Once Took Rival’s ‘Laughter’ Away With Brutal Hit to Sternum

Shaquille O'Neal (Image by FirstSportz)

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NBA fans often see Shaquille O’Neal laughing it out alongside his NBA on TNT crew before and after the matches that unfold during the season every year. But during his playing years, ‘The Diesel’ was one of the most dominant big men in the league, so much so that the opponents were terrorized by his presence back in the day when he used to play for the Los Angeles Lakers as well as the Miami Heat.

Opposing defenders had nightmares because when ‘The Diesel’ backed them, it typically finished with a tomahawk smash or an injury due to his big frame. Brendan Haywood, a retired NBA veteran, is one man who can relate to the suffering Shaq created on the court. During an appearance on the Run Your Race Podcast, the former player talked about his time playing against O’Neal.

It’s the worst feeling in the world guarding prime Shaq… He (Shaq) is everything I saw on TV. I really hope Kobe goes for 40, because I don’t want this guy getting the ball at all. He would just go through your chest. He hit me in my sternum one time, bruised my sternum — I couldn’t laugh for a week. I promise, cuz it hurt.

Brendan Haywood said on the Run Your Race podcast

Watching ‘The Diesel’ on TV while lounging on the couch is one thing, but seeing that 7’1″, 325-pound athletic monster as the opponent for the evening is quite another. Haywood had a close-up look at prime O’Neal because he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers as the 20th pick in the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft.

Despite being a large man himself, Haywood was unable to cope with the 4-time NBA champion’s extreme physicality. Haywood was not the only one. Many failed to keep Shaq quiet, especially while he was alongside the late Kobe Bryant during their time at the Lakers. Both complemented each other’s game styles, creating their own legacy in L.A.

‘Baby Huey’ went on to say that he would simply trample anyone who attempted to obstruct the Lakers center, leaving them with a “not-so-friendly” reminder. The worst part was that even if the opposition managed to keep the big man quiet, there was Bryant to deal with, leaving it impossible for teams to defend against the two.

Shaquille O’Neal made an interesting case regarding the Lakers’ Mount Rushmore

The legendary Shaquille O’Neal showcased his humble nature recently when he put himself off the Lakers’ Mount Rushmore, claiming that it would be too disrespectful. But why? He had all the figures to support it. No player was superior to the big man between 1999 and 2002, when he was at his best. Throughout his career, he produced 23.7 points, 10.9 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks per game.

Shaquille O'Neal
Shaquille O’Neal (Credits: MARCA)

Despite all this, O’Neal did not want to disrespect the greats of yesteryears like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

But you know why I say I’m not on it? Cuz I go back to the Michael Jordan theory — it’s disrespectful. Do I think I would’ve killed Wilt [Chamberlain]? Yes. Do I think I would’ve dominated Kareem [Abdul-Jabbar]? Yes. But it’s disrespectful.

Shaquille O’Neal said

O’Neal surely racked up all the honors. Compared to Chamberlain, he won more titles. Compared to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, he had more Finals MVPs. Few people have altered the game as much as he has. However, he believed that one couldn’t argue their way into legacy. Generation after generation had to earn it.

Actor Eddie Murphy made a hilarious Shaquille O’Neal confession

Sitting courtside in the NBA is one of the most prestigious seats that one could get. While it has its many perks and advantages, as one gets to see the top NBA stars up close, it also has some disadvantages, as per the famous Hollywood actor Eddie Murphy.

In a recent appearance on the 360 with Speedy podcast, Murphy made a hilarious confession regarding the probability of coming across the NBA big man Shaquille O’Neal while sitting courtside.

I have a greatest fear. One of these giant m*********** going for a ball and running you over and s***, and you’ll be on TV and be on the news, and Shaq stepping on your face.”

Eddie Murphy said

Murphy has been able to see Lakers play from one of the nicest seats in the arena for years. He has watched teams that went on to win the championship and legendary players like Shaq, Bryant, and LeBron James.

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