Candace Parker has cemented her place in basketball history—WNBA legend, former MVP, Olympic gold medalist, and current president of Adidas Women’s Basketball. But even a pro like her knows when to draw the line. Her epic trip aboard Shaquille O’Neal’s private jet recently had her firmly swearing off “Shaq Air” forever.
Parker dished all the details during a hilarious sit-down on Jimmy Kimmel Live, guest-hosted by Anthony Anderson. When Anderson asked about Parker’s chemistry with Shaq on Inside the NBA, she cracked up and shared the story of a flight that went from smooth to straight-up chaotic.
“I was new to the team, and we were in North Carolina doing a shoot. 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,’” Parker recalled, utterly amused.


At first, it sounded like a treat—luxury and convenience rolled into one. But soon, Parker realized Shaq’s private jet is also Shaq’s personal DJ booth.
“I hop on his PJ. This dude DJ’d on full blast for four hours and 30 minutes and then proceeded, for the last 35 minutes, to fall asleep and snore louder than the music. So that was the first and the last time that I took Shaq’s plane.”
Cue audience laughter—and Anderson confirming, Shaq really is a renowned DJ. And yes, he brings that same musical energy into the TNT studio during NBA games, spinning playlists while Parker and the crew are locked into analysis mode.
Despite the jet’s hardcore rave vibes—EDM drenched cabin, followed by unexpected jet-powered snoring—Parker’s love for Shaq remains unshaken.
“He’s a great guy,” she’s said before, echoing the headphone-to-headphone chemistry that’s won fans heart and earwaves on Inside the NBA. Shaq has returned the love, once calling Parker “inspiring” for her post-playing career pivot.
So what’s next for Parker’s flight plans? A new era, sans EDM and jet-lagged snoring.
“Flying future will involve less EDM and more peace,” she joked.
Meanwhile, Shaq’s probably still out there, spinning tracks 40,000 feet up—just without Candace in seat 2A.