A beloved Christmas tradition continued once again on Inside the NBA, bringing joy and laughter to fans and crew alike. The festive prank saw Shaquille O’Neal get tossed into a Christmas tree once again, marking the fifth time he has fallen victim to this hilarious holiday stunt.
In this most recent version of the prank, Shaq was directed towards the tree to pick up a present. As he bent down to grab the gift from under the tree, Kenny Smith made his move. With a swift shove, Smith sent Shaq crashing into the tree, creating a moment that left everyone in fits of laughter. The rest of the Inside the NBA crew couldn’t help but chuckle at the sight of Shaq tangled in the tree from behind the cameras.
Shaquille O’Neal, the Hall of Fame big man, has become a staple of this festive prank, falling for the trick every holiday season. The laughter echoed around the studio as Shaq remained stuck in the tree for quite some time after being tossed by Smith. At one point, Smith jokingly asked, “Well, how are we gonna get him out of here?”
NBA fans loved the hilarious moment and took to social media to share their laughs. Comments poured in, with one fan exclaiming, “Classic move!” Another chimed in, “You can’t fool me, I’ve seen this before.” The lighthearted banter continued with fans noting Shaq’s age and ability to take such falls, with one remarking, “Shaq is getting old bro, he can’t take these kinda falls anymore.” Amidst the laughter, a fan humorously noted, “Shaq took an eternity to fall down,” while another simply stated, “Love this show man hahaha.”
Unfortunately, the prank took place without the presence of Ernie Johnson, who was away from the desk due to a personal loss. Johnson’s sister, Christine, passed away earlier in the week, and Adam Lefkoe filled in for him during this segment. “Tonight we’re going to pause for a moment to step away from basketball,” Lefkoe said at the start of the show. “We’re going to send our deepest condolences to our friend and mentor Ernie Johnson.”
This annual prank has become a cherished part of the holiday season for Inside the NBA viewers. It’s a moment that not only showcases the camaraderie among the crew but also highlights the light-hearted spirit of the show. The laughter and joy that Shaq brings, even when he’s the butt of the joke, is a testament to his character and the fun-loving nature of the program.
The tradition of tossing Shaq into the Christmas tree has become a hallmark of the holiday season for the show, and fans eagerly anticipate it each year. It’s a moment that encapsulates the essence of holiday spirit—laughter, joy, and a sense of togetherness. The Inside the NBA crew has a unique way of blending sports with entertainment, making it a must-watch for fans during the festive season.
As the NBA gears up for the second half of the season, the excitement continues to build. The league recently signed an 11-year deal with three networks for broadcasting rights starting from the 2025-26 season. This marks a significant shift, as there will be no games on TNT for the first time since the network launched in 1988. The Walt Disney Company will continue to showcase the league with 80 regular-season games across ESPN and ABC, along with playoff coverage.
NBC is making a comeback as an NBA broadcaster for the first time since 2002, promising to show up to 100 games per season across its channels and Peacock streaming service. This renewal of broadcasting rights is sure to bring fresh energy and excitement to NBA fans, with new opportunities for viewing and engagement.
Amazon Prime is also stepping into the spotlight, set to broadcast 66 NBA regular-season games, including one on Black Friday. This will enhance the viewing experience for fans who prefer streaming options, as Prime will also cover significant playoff games and the NBA Cup.
As the NBA season progresses, fans can look forward to more entertaining moments, both on and off the court. The Inside the NBA crew continues to blend sports analysis with humor, making it a favorite among basketball enthusiasts. With Shaquille O’Neal at the center of the holiday prank tradition, viewers are reminded of the joy and laughter that sports can bring, especially during the festive season.
In the world of the NBA, where competition is fierce and stakes are high, moments of levity like the Christmas tree prank serve as a reminder of the camaraderie that exists among players and analysts alike. It’s these light-hearted interactions that make the sport not just about the game, but about the people who play it and the fans who support it. As we look ahead to the rest of the season, one thing is certain: the laughter and joy of Inside the NBA will continue to resonate with audiences everywhere.
