Shaquille O’Neal Is Requested by Charles Barkley to Give Him Money for Christmas

As the team discussed their holiday plans, particularly about gift-giving, in a portion of tonight’s broadcast, Inside the NBA was overcome by a Christmas vibe. Having Shaquille O’Neal, Shaq-a-Claus, on set meant that the panel would inevitably discuss Shaq’s infamous gift-giving tendencies. The Lakers icon was informed by Charles Barkley that he would rather receive money from the big man for Christmas in an attempt to stop his antics. Introducing Shaq, Kenny Smith praised him for being Shaq-a-Claus for children. Shaq helps several underprivileged children nationwide experience the joys of Christmas by sending them gifts each year before the holiday. Shaq is less giving when it comes to gifts for his TNT friends, though. Charles Barkley asks Shaquille O’Neal “Money” for Christmas Shaq was called out on the issue by the Jet: “You do them so much differently than you do us. You give them real gifts. You give us gifts that you only endorse and that you get for free.” Barkley added that Shaq exclusively gives away free merchandise from companies he owns, such as Icy Hot. The huge guy attempted to defend himself by saying that even for the things he recommended, he had to pay money, but...