There’s no surprise that the entire «Inside the NBA» cast shares a brotherly bond both on and off the studio set. They constantly exchange playful jabs on live television, sometimes even crossing into personal territory, but it’s all rooted in mutual respect and a foundation strong enough to handle it. And even when it isn’t about on-air banter, Shaquille O’Nealhas repeatedly shown just how big his heart can be.
While O’Neal may appear intimidating with his towering seven-foot frame and larger-than-life presence, he has long been known for his generosity. Whether it’s surprising fans with gifts at stores, helping strangers financially, or going out of his way to make someone’s day, the Diesel has consistently shown a soft side off the court.
As Kenny tells the story, this incident happened when his son and Shaq’s daughter attended the same preschool. At that time, Smith and O’Neal didn’t share the tight brotherhood they have today. So naturally, when the two-time NBA champion was informed that Shaq had picked up his son from school without any prior notice, he was understandably stunned.
While any parent might naturally be taken aback, what happened next shocked Smith even more, completely changing his perspective. When Shaquille eventually returned Kenny’s son to his family, the latter saw something he did not expect: his son was glowing with excitement after experiencing one of the most unforgettable days of his young life.
That’s when it clicked, O’Neal did not act out of carelessness; instead, he acted out of affection and spontaneity.
«Shaq kidnapped my son once. His daughter and my son went to the same preschool,» Smith recalled. «I come in like, ‘Hey, where’s KJ?’ ‘Oh, Shaquille picked him up.’ I’m like, ‘Shaquille?’ I’m not even think Shaquille is Shaq. So they’re like, ‘Shaq!’ I’m like, ‘You gave my son to Shaq?’ My wife, at the time she calls him, I’m like, ‘Shaq, where are you? So you picked up my son?’ He’s like, ‘Yeah, I was picking up my daughter and he was like hey can I go with ya’ll and I said yeah. We’re at the mall.»
They took my son, took him shopping, got him a haircut, got his cozy bags and sneakers and gear — coming in like, ‘Aye Uncle Shaq!’ They pull to the school with three cars with the music blasting, my son is in the back (dancing),» he added.