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]

Earlier on HuffPost: