"I made him who he is" - Shaq demands credit for making SAS worthy of earning $25 million

In the NBA landscape, not only do players and coaches get paid big, but reporters and analysts, too. You might think that those behind the screens doing all the talking will be last on the money pyramid. However, if recent rumors are true, an ESPN reporter will not only be the highest-paid guy on TV but will earn more than NBA coaches and some NBA players.

A huge offer

Stephen A. Smith is almost impossible to miss. He is always vocal and doesn’t shy away from his views and opinions. SAS also doesn’t shy away from requesting a massive contract extension of $25 million to remain with ESPN.

The “First Take” analyst joined ESPN in the early 2000s after a print media and radio broadcasting career. Since then, Smith has become the most popular figure behind the screen as a reporter and analyst and is demanding to be paid as the No. 1.

Among many things that have made Smith popular are his takes on NBA players, like Shaquille O’Neal , who recently expressed his bold take on the popular talking head.

“I remember when he signed for $10 million, and he’s doing a great job, and I wish him well, and I hope he can make all the money he can make, but he needs to thank me. I made him who he is,” O’Neal said of Stephen A.

There’s a reason SAS is regarded as one of the top reporters in the NBA. Stephen is always at the forefront of every issue, and his views are raw. His last concern is whether he offends viewers.

Related: "I remember him sitting in the bathroom close to tears" - Doc opened up about a heartbreaking way Shaq's career ended

Becoming famous on TV

Smith signed up for ESPN when the superstar big man was one of the faces of the NBA and was in controversy with Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers . News pieces about Shaq were always on the front page, and the big man took credit for making the reporter famous for talking about him.

“When he first came on. Remember, he wasn’t making no money talking about the [Philadelphia 76ers], and once you started talking crazy about me, you would go back and forth, and you got hot. So you’re welcome, Stephen A.,” O’Neal added.

If the $25 million is agreed upon, SAS will earn more than the highest-paid NBA coach, Steve Kerr , who is currently paid $17.5 million.

It begs the question of whether it is more difficult to give opinions on TV or coach an NBA team. Stephen A. was initially offered a five-year $18 million deal, which he refused, and there’s no telling if competing reporters will demand an outrageous bag as time passes.

Related: "I got a call from Shaq" — Shaquille O'Neal once asked Stephen A. Smith to deliver a heartfelt message for Kobe Bryant