Shaquille O'Neal walked off set on US TV (Image: TNT/Inside the NBA)
Charles Barkley brought his trademark humour to the 'Inside the NBA' set, swiftly cutting off Kenny Smith's ill-timed mention of Jay-Z during Tuesday's broadcast. The TNT panel was debating whether ESPN's Stephen A.
Smith could outshoot Kenny Smith in a free-throw contest when they're colleagues on the new network next year. As TNT's Smith began comparing Jay-Z's rap prowess to a street challenge, "I think Jay Z or..." he was abruptly cut off by Barkley's quip, "Probably not a good time," sending Shaquille O'Neal into fits of laughter, leading him to stand and exit the frame while host Ernie Johnson facepalmed.
"You are silly man, you are silly man," chuckled Smith, as O'Neal, still laughing, leaned against the wall off-set. "Go see if you can fix the wall, will ya Shaq," Johnson joked, before attempting to steer the conversation back on track.
Despite Smith's efforts to redirect to rapper Kendrick Lamar, the crew had moved on.
Jay-Z, real name Shawn Carter, is currently embroiled in a civil lawsuit over allegations of raping a 13 year old girl with fellow rapper Diddy following the 2000 MTV Music Video Awards. He has strongly denied these claims and spoken out about the impact on his family, especially his children who have faced their peers' questions.
The 'Inside the NBA' team was in the studio covering Tuesday's NBA Cup games, which included a 114-105 victory for the Oklahoma City Thunder over the Dallas Mavericks. The Thunder managed to restrict Luka Doncic to a mere 16 points, while Shai Gilgeous-Alexander shone with an impressive 39 points.
In another match, the Milwaukee Bucks continued their winning streak by defeating the struggling Orlando Magic 114-109. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a potential MVP candidate, led his team with 37 points from 15-24 shooting.
The Magic are still without their star players Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner. However, 2021 first-round pick Jalen Suggs has stepped up in their absence, scoring 32 points against the Bucks on Tuesday.
_This article originally appeared on [Mirror US](https://www.themirror.com/sport/basketball/shaquille-oneal-nba-jay-z-854051)_