Jimmie Johnson’s Surprising Offer to Shaquille O’Neal

Jimmie Johnson

Basketball Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal may be coming out of retirement of his own accord after taking a stab at seven-time champ Jimmie Johnson’s NASCAR career.  The Legacy Motorclub co-owner, who hasn’t won a race since his 2023 return, has challenged O’Neal to a free-throw competition. The news came shortly after the basketball mogul jabbed Johnson’s decision to compete in the Daytona 500. The pair shared a jovial conversation after O’Neal posted a critical tweet on X on January 24.  However, the harmless conversation seems to have become bitter and is now an all-out feud. Here’s what transpired between the two sports greats early Sunday.

Jimmie Johnson Challenges Shaq to Free-Throw Competition

Shaquille O’Neal conjured a media frenzy with a controversial tweet earlier this week criticizing Jimmie Johnson’s desire to continue racing. “Dang, Jimmie Johnson is going for another Daytona?! “22 years is not enough for you?” This seemed sarcastic to many of Johnson’s fans, but his response was nothing short of clever. “You know it, Shaq? “I’ve still got the drive.” “What about you?” “How’s that jump shot these days?” Johnson said. Shaquille O’Neal remained quiet after the NASCAR Hall of Famer’s witty comeback until today.

He responded by letting the 49-year-old know he still has it and should come and find him on the court. “Everyone knows I still got it, Jimmie Johnson.” “Come find me on the court,” O’Neal responded. The seven-time then clapped back, saying, “Haha, I love you’re coming at me, Shaq!” “Let’s roll with a free throw competition.” “Should be easy for you when you’re that close to the rim.” “Name when and where.” Was this a gab at O’Neal’s reputation for subpar free throws? 

Will Shaq Rise to the Challenge?

Shaquille O’Neal has had one heck of a basketball career playing for teams like the Lakers, Heat, Magic, Suns, Cavaliers, and Celtics. Over O’Neal’s diverse career spanning 1992 until 2011, he secured an astounding 23.7 points per game. Additionally, he racked up 10.9 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 2.3 blocks in 1,207 regular games and played in 15 all-star games. He’s also earned the Rookie of the Year Award, a single MVP Award, 3 Final MVP Awards, and 4 NBA championships, and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.

However, despite his impeccable record, O’Neal only amassed a free-throw percentage of 52.7%. A free-throw shot, also known as a foul shot in basketball, is an unguarded scoring attempt awarded by a referee when an opposing team commits a foul.  Free-throw shots are crucial because they can mean the difference between a team winning and losing. It seemed simple enough, but Shaq couldn’t seem to grasp it. It’s rumored the reason behind this is his childhood wrist injury. Even so, he may once again have to put the elusive skill to the test if he decides to take Jimmie Johnson up on his offer of a free-throw challenge.

Final Thoughts

After an intense conversation over the social media platform X, Shaquille O’Neal and Jimmie Johnson may duke it out on the court. After Johnson playfully suggested a free-throw challenge to O’Neal, the basketball hall of famer’s X account has remained quiet except for amused fans. It seems as if  O’Neal has not made it clear whether he plans to take the seven-time NASCAR champion up on his offer. Even so, this would be a sight for sore eyes and would undoubtedly garner a lot of attention. Stay tuned.

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