Shaquille O’Neal speaking Slovenian on live television wasn’t exactly on anyone’s radar heading into the weekend, but here we are-and it was every bit as entertaining as you'd expect.
During the Jan. 25 episode of Inside the NBA, Luka Dončić joined the crew-Shaq, Kenny Smith, Ernie Johnson, and Charles Barkley-for a postgame interview. And right on cue, Shaq decided to dust off his Slovenian skills in honor of the Lakers star.
The result? A mix of laughter, good vibes, and a reminder of just how much fun this league can be when personalities like Shaq and Luka collide.
This isn’t the first time Shaq has tried his hand at Slovenian, either. Back in 2021, when Dončić was still with the Dallas Mavericks, he wrapped up a postgame interview with a Slovenian sign-off from the Big Diesel himself. It’s become a bit of a running gag, and Luka seems to take it all in stride.
But the lighthearted moment came on the heels of something much deeper for Dončić. Now wearing purple and gold, Luka returned to Dallas-where his NBA journey began-for a matchup that was anything but ordinary. The Lakers edged out the Mavericks 116-110, with Dončić delivering a vintage performance: 33 points, 11 assists, and plenty of emotion.
“There’s still emotions, trust me,” Dončić said after the game. “But a little bit better, a little bit easier for me.
Shaq tries to say something to Luka in Slovenian lol pic.twitter.com/cz01rPK4Ei
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) January 25, 2026
It’s unbelievable. I’ve still got a lot of fans here, players, some other people.
I’m happy to be back.”
That emotion was felt on both sides. As Luka stepped to the free-throw line, the Dallas crowd broke into chants of “M-V-P,” a gesture of respect for a player who gave the city so many unforgettable moments. It was a reminder that while Dončić now wears a different jersey, his legacy in Dallas is far from forgotten.
Lakers head coach JJ Redick acknowledged the weight of the moment before tipoff. “This is where it started for him,” Redick said.
“It’s where he made his first Finals appearance. It’s where he was drafted.
The significance for our team is there, and it’s certainly there for him.”
It’s been nearly a year since Dončić was traded to Los Angeles in February 2025, but nights like this show that the bond between a player and a city doesn’t fade overnight. For Luka, returning to Dallas wasn’t just another game-it was a full-circle moment.
The Lakers, now winners of four straight, will look to keep the momentum rolling as they head to Chicago for a matchup with the Bulls tomorrow night at 8 p.m. EST. But for now, it’s safe to say that Luka’s homecoming-and Shaq’s Slovenian-stole the show.