'Kazaam': Shaquille O'Neal Explains Why He Did 1996 Genie Movie

Shaquille O'Neal is considered one of the best centers in NBA history. Unfortunately, that approval does not extend to his acting career.

In 1996, Shaq starred in "Kazaam," a movie about a giant genie who appears from a boombox to grant a lucky boy three wishes. For years, the film has been laughed at by critics and audiences. However, as the former athlete told GQ, Shaq had a perfectly good explanation for taking the role.

"I was a medium-level juvenile delinquent from Newark who always dreamed about doing a movie. Someone said, 'Hey, here's $7 million, come in and do this genie movie.' What am I going to say, no? So I did it."

Take that "Kazaam" haters!

Hey, Shaq, while you're at it, could you explain your inexplicable rap career, too?

"My dream was to be a rapper, go onstage, and to do a show. And I did that."

Fair enough.

To read the full interview with Shaquille O'Neal, head over to GQ.

[via GQ b/w Vulture]