Charles Barkley hilariously trolls Shaquille OCharles Barkley hilariously trolls Shaquille O’Neal over his ‘French look.’ (Photo from NBA on TNT’s X page)

Charles Barkley was his hilarious self on the first broadcast of “NBA On TNT” for the new year on Thursday. He trolled co-analyst Shaquille O’Neal over the “French look” he had for the show.

The four-time NBA champion came to the studio with a Parisian-inspired attire, wearing a blue suit which he complemented with a silk collar scarf.

Sensing an opening to throw his trademark roast of O’Neal, Barkley said:

“First of all, that’s not a French look. Just because you like French fries and French toast, it doesn’t make you French. But you look nice, Liberace.”

Charles Barkley’s comment elicited amused reactions not only from ‘Shaq’ but also from fellow panelists Ernie Johnson and Kenny Smith. The witty exchange has been the trademark of the TNT gang, apart from the vast basketball knowledge they share game in and game out.

This season was supposed to be the last for “NBA On TNT” as the network’s media deal with the league ends after the ongoing NBA season. But the Inside guys found a new avenue to continue doing their thing by way of ESPN and ABC, which will take over broadcasting work from TNT. The latter, however, will continue to produce “Inside the NBA.”

Charles Barkley says it is fun having Shaquille O’Neal as co-host at TNT

Charles Barkley may have his fair share of on-air disagreements with Shaquille O’Neal over NBA On TNT but, by and large, the ‘Chuckster’ said having ‘Shaq’ as co-host has been a lot of fun.

The one-time league MVP opened up about his relationship with O’Neal and his addition to the “Inside the NBA” crew on his appearance on Paul George’s Podcast P back in August, highlighting how the legendary big man has been a great addition to their crew.

Barkley said:

“He’s been a great addition. He’s a fun dude. He’s fun to mess with. I love messing with him. He’s a big old softy. He’s very sensitive. I love messing with him and when I get him riled up, it is one of the highlights of my damn night. I love it.”

Check out what he had to say below, beginning at 39.26:

O’Neal joined Barkley on “Inside the NBA” in 2011 after calling it a career playing in the NBA, that saw him become a four-time champion, one-time league MVP and 15-time All-Star.

Charles Barkley has been with TNT as an analyst since 2000 after his playing days were over, joining pioneer Ernie Johnson (1990) as well as Kenny Smith (1998).

Other notable former analysts for the show were Magic Johnson (2003-2007), Reggie Miller (2008-2011) and Chris Webber (2008-2011).