Weeks After Hip Surgery, ‘Gym Freak’ Shaquille O’Neal Loses to Kenny Smith On Inside the NBA Despite a Headstart

Shaquille O’Neal is one of the most competitive guys around the NBA. His competitiveness and the chip on his shoulder helped him become an all-time great. Now he tries to channel the same for challenges on Inside the NBA. Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith, and Ernie Johnson all love to indulge in these small competitions as well. Tonight, Shaq forgot he was recovering from hip surgery as he challenged Kenny to a race.

Shaq underwent hip replacement surgery on March 15th, nine days after turning 51. Since then, he’s been making steady progress. We’ve seen him return to the gym and spend quite a bit of time there as well. O’Neal loves spending time in the gym and is looking to return to his target body weight soon.

It doesn’t look like his hip has healed completely. The big man has noticeably been grimacing while walking around. However, that did not stop him from competing.

Shaquille O’Neal lost a race to the board to Kenny Smith, despite a head start

One of the favorite traditions on Inside the NBA is a race to the big board during half-time, before Kenny Smith goes to break down the half. We’ve seen a lot of these races, with most of them not going in Smith’s favor. However, this week has been different.

Earlier this week, he beat Ernie Johnson in a race.

Tonight, he beat Shaquille O’Neal, despite giving him a head start.

Shaq was walking different, as can be expected after a hip surgery. He was still in the race on the plain floor. O’Neal lost the battle when it came to the stairs near the board. Kenny was clearly faster there, and he recorded a 2nd win this week.

Charles Barkley and Ernie Johnson called it an ‘ugly race’ while Shaq just laughed his way back to the chair. I guess once his hip is better, Shaq would be looking for payback on Smith.

Fans react to Kenny’s triumph

People love watching Inside the NBA. Not only does the show provide them with basketball knowledge, but also guarantees good entertainment. After seeing this race, fans were ready with their comments.

A fan even thought about nominating Shaquille O’Neal for his own Shaqtin’ a Fool award.