“He’s definitely LA Fitness, 24-hour Fitness legit” – When Shaquille O’Neal praised Adam Sandler’s hooping skills
While Shaquille O'Neal may be one of the most outspoken former NBA players, even he was impressed by Adam Sandler's hooping skills. The famous actor has repeatedly earned praise for his play over the years as more and more clips continue to emerge.
In addition, he has helped bring the NBA to a larger audience with his 2022 film "Hustle," which starred Juancho Hernangomez, earning widespread praise. With Sandler producing the movie, acting in it and bringing in actual players like Hernangomez, it was the talk of the town, so to speak.
Although Shaquille O'Neal has criticized players in the past, he praised Sandler for his abilities. During an appearance on "Green Light with Chris Long," O'Neal didn't shy away from giving Sandler his flowers.
“Actually, the guys that got the perfect fit are the guys that can’t hoop," O'Neal said. "The guys that don’t really care what they wear, those are the guys you have to be worried about.”
When asked whether he had ever played with an actor or celebrity who had impressed him, O'Neal responded:
"You know what? Adam Sandler. I’ve shot five movies with him. He’s legit. Not pro legit, but he‘s definitely LA Fitness, you know, 24-Hour Fitness legit.”
You can see Shaquille O'Neal's full comments in the Instagram carousel above.
Adam Sandler and Shaquille O'Neal like Magic Johnson and Larry Bird
Shockingly, Shaquille O'Neal has made sure to give Adam Sandler his flowers in the past as well. The Hall of Famer went so far as to say that the actor was like Larry Bird and he was like Magic Johnson.
His comments came on an episode of "The Big Podcast," where he and Sandler appeared together.
"Adam was Bird, and I was Magic," O'Neal said. "It was me and Adam and some other guys. And we just killed everybody in the gym. But don't let Adam fool you. He has a hell of a fadeaway."
(Suggested Reading: Adam Sandler on LeBron James' advice to him)
As NBA fans are well aware, Sandler loves playing basketball whenever he gets the chance. With an impressive highlight reel online combined with a love for the game only pure hoopers know, Sandler makes sure that he plays pick-up games as much as possible.
During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel's show, Sandler spoke about finding time to play pick-up games whenever he travels.
“I like playing basketball," Sandler said. "I used to play a lot more. I see a game going on, I know where parks are. If I’m shooting in a particular state or a city, I’ll ask around where’s some good games and then I go and show up.”
As he recalled, there was one instance where he jumped into a game and the player defending him seemed to be a bit starstruck.
“He just goes, ‘Are you Ben Stiller?' I said, 'Yes I am,' and then I realized he thinks I’m Stiller so I can foul a little more. I let him have it.”
You can see his comments in the video below beginning around the 8:30 mark.