David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Shaq Gets Brutally Honest About Why Dennis Rodman Drove Him Crazy

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tristan Afshar | Last updated May 19, 2025 6:22 PM ET

Shaquille O’Neal is known for his honesty, but even longtime NBA fans might be surprised by his latest reveal.

In a recent interview with Ashley Nevel, the four-time NBA champion didn’t hold back when asked about his former teammate Dennis Rodman. While many remember Rodman’s rebounding dominance and larger-than-life personality, Shaq admitted there was one thing about him that drove him absolutely crazy.

“I don’t like Rodman because he did something I can never do,” O’Neal confessed.

Rodman’s habits during his brief time with the Lakers were interesting. “He will show up late to the pregame meetings, eating rice and chicken,” O'Neal recalled.

“Never warmed up. Went and got 20 freaking rebounds a game.”

Shaq recalls wild Lakers memories while admitting envy over Rodman’s lifestyle

But the postgame stories were even more outrageous. “After the game, never showered, went to the club and had all the beautiful girls in LA at his table all over him, smelling like garbage truck water,” he added.

O’Neal went on to say that despite Rodman’s unconventional approach, he always got results. And clearly, he got the attention, too. “I’ve never seen…like I thought I brought the ladies out. Dennis brought the ladies out.”

While his delivery was playful, it was clear Shaq had a mix of admiration and irritation when recounting Rodman’s off-court magnetism. “That’s the girl I was looking at and they’re all over there with him.”

The Lakers stint may have been short-lived for Rodman, but it clearly left an impression.

For Shaq, the stats were one thing — but the swagger? That was something else entirely.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: