Candace Parker Swears Off Shaq’s Private Jet After 4-Hour EDM Flight From Hell
Candace Parker has always been known for her composure. Whether she was taking the court for a WNBA Finals game or breaking down playoff strategy on national television, Parker radiated the kind of calm that comes only from years at the pinnacle of her craft. But as it turns out, even the coolest heads have their limits—especially when it comes to air travel with the larger-than-life Shaquille O’Neal.
The story of Parker’s private jet ordeal with Shaq has become the stuff of basketball legend, and she recently shared every hilarious detail on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Sitting across from guest host Anthony Anderson, Parker’s eyes widened with the memory, laughter bubbling up before she could even begin.
It all started innocently enough. Parker, fresh off her retirement and newly minted as the president of Adidas Women’s Basketball, was finding her rhythm as a broadcaster on TNT’s “Inside the NBA.” The team was in North Carolina for a shoot, and the long day was winding down. As the crew packed up, Shaq—never one to miss an opportunity for grand gestures—offered Parker a ride to Los Angeles on his private jet.
“I was new to the team, and we were in North Carolina doing a shoot,” Parker recalled, her voice a mix of amusement and disbelief. “He was like, ‘I’m going to LA. Just hop on my PJ.’ And I’m like, ‘Okay, that beats getting in line at Delta and, you know, all that stuff.’”
For a moment, Parker thought she’d hit the jackpot. No security lines, no cramped seats, no waiting at baggage claim—just a smooth, direct flight with a basketball legend. What could possibly go wrong?
As it turned out, plenty.
Shaq the DJ: 40,000 Feet of Bass
Parker boarded Shaq’s jet with visions of quiet, maybe a nap, or at least some time to catch up on emails. What she got instead was a four-hour-and-thirty-minute introduction to DJ Diesel—Shaq’s alter ego behind the turntables.
“This dude DJ’d on full blast for four hours and thirty minutes,” Parker said, shaking her head as the audience erupted in laughter. “And then proceeded, for the last thirty-five minutes, to fall asleep and snore louder than the music.”
To the uninitiated, Shaquille O’Neal’s DJ persona might come as a surprise. But to those who know him, it’s just another facet of his outsized personality. Shaq’s love for electronic dance music is no secret—he’s performed at major music festivals and even released his own tracks. But Parker hadn’t expected to experience a private concert at 40,000 feet.
The cabin pulsed with bass, neon lights flickered, and Shaq, all 7’1” of him, was in his element. For hours, he spun tracks, bobbing his head and grinning at his captive audience. Parker tried to find some peace, but there was no escaping the relentless thump of EDM or the infectious energy of her host.
As the flight dragged on, Parker realized she’d made a rookie mistake. “You ever have that moment where you think, ‘This is going to be fun,’ and then you’re like, ‘I have made a grave error’?” she joked to Anderson, who nodded in sympathy.
The Snore Heard ‘Round the World
If Parker thought the music was the worst of it, she was in for a surprise. As the jet began its descent into Los Angeles, Shaq finally wore himself out. He slumped back in his seat, headphones askew, and within minutes was fast asleep.
But peace was still out of reach. “He snored louder than the music,” Parker said, mimicking the guttural rumble that shook the cabin. “I didn’t know whether to laugh or cry. I just sat there, thinking, ‘This is my life now.’”
When the wheels finally touched down, Parker made a vow to herself—and, as she told the late-night audience, to the world: “That was the first and last time that I took Shaq’s plane.”
Shaq’s Musical Mayhem: Not Just for the Skies
Anthony Anderson, quick to confirm the story, assured the audience that Shaq’s DJ skills were legit—if a little overwhelming. “He brings the same energy to the studio,” Parker added. “On game nights, he’ll set up in the control room, spinning tracks while the rest of us are trying to focus. It’s like, ‘Shaq, can we just get through halftime without a rave?’”
Yet, beneath the chaos and the bass drops, there’s a deep camaraderie between Parker and O’Neal. Their chemistry on “Inside the NBA” has become a highlight for fans, blending expert analysis with playful banter. Off-camera, their friendship is built on mutual respect—and, clearly, a willingness to survive each other’s quirks.
Despite her vow never to board Shaq Air again, Parker made it clear that there’s nothing but love between them. “He’s larger than life, but he’s got the biggest heart,” she said. “He’s always looking out for people, always trying to make you laugh—even if it means torturing you with four hours of EDM.”
O’Neal has echoed those feelings on-air, once telling Parker how proud he was of her post-retirement moves and calling her “inspiring.” It’s a relationship rooted in admiration, with just enough chaos to keep things interesting.
The Aftermath: Lessons Learned
For Parker, the ordeal became an instant classic—a story to tell at parties, on talk shows, and to anyone who wondered what it was like to work with Shaquille O’Neal. It also served as a reminder: sometimes, the perks of fame come with unexpected side effects.
“My flying future will definitely involve less EDM and more peace,” Parker laughed. “I’ll take my chances with Delta.”
As for Shaq? He’s probably still spinning tracks somewhere high above the clouds, headphones on, smile wide, and not a care in the world. The next passenger in seat 2A might want to bring earplugs—and be ready for a story of their own.
In the end, Candace Parker’s private jet misadventure is more than just a funny anecdote. It’s a testament to the unpredictable, unforgettable world of professional sports—and the friendships, both wild and wonderful, that come with it.
