What happens when you pair a larger-than-life basketball icon with a smart, sassy comedian?
You get a “Lip Sync Battle” with as much drama and cutthroat competition a
Four-time NBA champion and 15-time NBA All-Star Shaquille O’Neal kicked off the Spike show performing a song that could have been named after him — the B-52’s “Love Shack.”
Needless to say, the 7-foot-1-inch former Los Angeles Lakers star killed it by gyrating his giant frame across the stage.
Host LL Cool J was quick to realize that it was a “love song to himself.”
“I love Shaq,” O’Neal said. “He’s tall, sexy and has a lot of booty.”
Next up, “The Talk” host and former “Ghost Whisperer” actress Aisha Tyler lip synced about a subject also close to Shaq’s heart — “Basketball,” by Kurtis Blow — as she showed off her dunk skills donning the Lakers’ signature purple and gold colors.
For her next track, Tyler got even more fierce with her Shaq Attack in a futuristic rendition of Lady Gaga‘s “Poker Face,” complete with a long platinum wig and silver catsuit.
It was game on when Shaq returned to the stage, however, in a curly wig and overalls to let loose for Michael Sembello’s “Maniac,” from the “Flashdance” soundtrack.
The lucky baller got his top layer of clothing ripped off by one of the dancers to reveal Jennifer Beals‘ signature sweater and leg-warmers from the 1983 cult classic.
His grand finale of collapsing back into a chair and having water wash over him from above (while wagging his tongue provocatively) had LL doubled up in hysterics. “I can’t even take this,” the host screeched.
Needless to say, the Oscar-worthy performance won Shaq the “Lip Sync Battle” title belt and the opportunity to randomly make fun of Kevin Hart.
“Lip Sync Battle” airs Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on Spike.