“I’mma Put These Paws on You!”: ‘Offended’ Shaquille O’Neal Threatened Kenny Smith for ‘Falsely Accusing’ Him of Being Late On Inside the NBA

Shaquille O’Neal is an NBA legend who is remembered for his immense size and dominance on the court. However, although he is a force to be reckoned with, the Big Diesel has always had a sensitive soul. As such, he isn’t exactly the biggest fan of being picked on or called out. So, when Kenny Smith falsely accused him of being late to set on Inside The NBA back in 2022, Shaq was livid. He vehemently denied these accusations and even proceeded to jokingly threaten Kenny, by suggesting he would put his “paws” on him.

Growing up, Shaq lived in a military household. His stepfather, Sgt. Phillip Harrison was an important male figure in his life and instilled in him many of the characteristics he displays today. He was often on the receiving end of beatings from Harrison but learned a lot from him too. His father’s military background taught him the importance of discipline. This is something that has helped him build his $400,000,000 empire.

Shaquille O’Neal once threatened Kenny Smith after the latter slyly called him out for being late

In 2022, while Shaquille O’Neal was passionately discussing his interactions with some of the coaches he’s had in life, he was unexpectedly put on the receiving end of a sly dig. His crewmate, Kenny “The Jet” Smith, mocked him, calling him out for being late to the set of Inside The NBA. This did not sit well with The Big Aristotle.

His response was both cold and two-pronged. First, he pointed out that he has always been punctual, and that in reality, he wasn’t late to the set. Speaking to one of the producers, he confirmed for Smith and all those present, including Ernie Johnson and Charles Barkley that he was on set by 6:29 and the show had started at 6:30. So, technically he wasn’t late.

The second response was far more hilarious. Delivering a threatening line to Kenny, he warned him to never ever act funny on TV ever again. Why? Well, because if he did, the 7’1″, 325-pound Shaq would not hesitate to put his hands on him. Unsurprisingly, Kenny backed down. Although he did manage to make another sly remark, this time about Pat Riley.

“If you try to be funny on TV again, I’m gonna put these paws on you!”

@SHAQ & @TheJetOnTNT getting into it after The Big Fella showed up late. pic.twitter.com/lrtGLzaP9h

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 20, 2022

It is safe to say Kenny hasn’t tried to act smart with the big man since then. More often than not Shaq is a laid-back individual. He loves cracking a few jokes and can even laugh at his own expense. Still, poking the bear too much. And on that day, Shaq reminded the entire Inside The NBA set of that.

Shaq and Chuck once threatened to hit Kenny after he “disrespected” Ernie Johnson

The theme of Kenny Smith disrespecting others on set seems to be a common one. Apart from his sly digs towards Shaquille O’Neal, he has targeted other members of the crew as well. Just recently, following the Lakers’ Playoff match against the Golden State Warriors in the conference semi-finals, he took a tone with Ernie Johnson.

Disagreeing with Ernie with regard to a potential Dubs comeback, Kenny’s tone did not please Charles Barkley. The Round Mound of Rebound then warned The Jet. He informed him that this was the second night in a row he “talked down” to Ernie and that while Ernie may be fine with it, he and Shaq would not stand for it, threatening to hit him if he ever did it again.

Kenny really needs to start realizing who he’s around when he makes these controversial statements. After all, Shaq and Chuck are two of the biggest guys in the world of sports. Smith would be in for a world of pain if he ever ended up on their bad side.