Stephen A. Smith was offered $18 Million by ESPN but the analyst allegedly declined.

Shaquille O’Neal took credit for Stephen A. Smith’s career.

While talking about the top analysts in the NBA, Stephen A. Smith‘s name will certainly come up in the conversation. For the past 21 years, Smith has garnered the attention of NBA fans with his interesting, and mostly controversial takes about the league and the players. However, as the analyst’s contract is ending in 2025, Shaquille O’Neal reminded Smith of the star of his career.

ESPN offered Stephen A. Smith a five-year $90 Million deal but the analyst wants more. During the recent episode of Shaquille O’Neal‘s The Big Podcast, host Adam Lefkoe brought up the topic. As Smith wants $25 Million per year, Lefkoe pointed out that the money is more than JJ Redick‘s for the Lakers. That’s when Shaq jumped on the topic, taking credit for Smith’s success.

I remember when he signed for 10 Million and he's doing a great job and I wish him well. And I hope he can make all the money he can make. But, he needs to thank me.

Shaquille O’Neal said

After asking about his statement, Shaq cheekily added, ‘I made him who he is’. O’Neal believes that Smith was not making money at the beginning until he was involved with Shaq. According to the Hall of Famer, the exchange between the two after Smith took jibes at Shaq was the reason for the kickstart of the analyst’s career.

Smith is famous for his controversial takes about players. The analyst has also not left O’Neal as he has criticized him when the star was still active in the league. But over the years their relationship has changed as the duo are now friends. O’Neal’s statement about starting Smith’s career is also one such friendly jibe.

Stephen A. Smith does not want the ‘Inside the NBA’ crew to split up

With Smith’s struggles with ESPN’s contract, O’Neal is also having issues with his network. As TNT is parting ways with the broadcasting rights of the NBA, Inside the NBA is likely to end after the next season. Which would result in the split of O’Neal, Charles Barkley, Kenny Smith and Ernie Johnson. The news has been a tough one for many including Stephen A.

The show is certainly a fan-favorite considering the incredible chemistry between the hosts. Hence, Smith reflected upon the importance of keeping the quartet together. During an episode of the Stephen A. Smith Show, the host called out the network for breaking up Inside crew.

I don’t give a damn what network you are. If you have an opportunity to have Charles Barkley Shaquille O’Neal and Kenny Smith together, you do not break that up. I don’t give a s**t what anybody says, you keep that together, you don’t mess with it at all. Ever.

Stephen A. Smith said

Further Smith also expressed ‘hope’ about the team sticking together. The analyst explained that ‘it wouldn’t be same’ to not see the crew together. Smith was right, to say the least as NBA fans are devastated by the news. The show has been a huge part of the daily games considering their wise analysis and amazing humor.