Shaquille O’Neal Crashes ESPN NBA Finals Pregame Amid TNT to ESPN Transition

Shaquille O'Neal made a surprise appearance on ESPN's NBA Countdown set before Game 1 of the 2025 NBA Finals, playfully interacting with hosts including Stephen A. Smith, Malika Andrews, Bob Myers, and Kendrick Perkins. This moment served as a teaser for the upcoming transition of the popular Inside the NBA show from TNT to ESPN, marking the end of its 25-year run on TNT and the beginning of a new chapter. O'Neal emphasized the continuity and competitive spirit of the show despite the network change, declaring that the crew is "bringing the pain" to ESPN and that the show remains intact. The playful rivalry and camaraderie between O'Neal and Smith, which included friendly jabs and set invasions on both networks, highlighted the chemistry that fans can expect to continue. Fans and analysts praised O'Neal's charisma and humor during the appearance, reflecting the beloved nature of Inside the NBA and the anticipation for its ESPN debut. This shift represents a significant change in the NBA media landscape, as the show moves to a new home while maintaining its core team and style.