"I’m 56! I’m old, man!" - Hustle movie star Adam Sandler responds to getting destroyed by Shaquille O'Neal's co-host

Adam Sandler was recently roasted by Shaquille O'Neal's co-analyst on "Inside the NBA" and former NBA player Kenny "The Jet" Smith. Sandler took more than a week to respond to Smith, who had hilariously called out his basketball skills and fashion sense.

The "Hustle" actor and legendary comedian was on "The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon." He explained that his age has become a factor when he plays basketball. He added that he doesn't like shooting the ball, as he's not good at it.

"First of all, I do love Kenny Smith," Sandler said. "But these are bad moments. I have such a great game; it's insane everybody. The dog got lucky; it bit my ball. But I'm telling you; it's cause I'm older now. I'm 56! I’m old, man!"

He continued:

"But honestly, when I'm on the court and I'm dribbling and I see other guys on my team, I never take the shot. Because I'm like, 'He's better than me. He's better than me.' That's why I look to pass, and then someone will tell me, 'Hey, start shooting more often.' And I'll be like, 'Yeah, he's right; he's right.' So, then I take a shot and miss, and I go, 'Didn't I tell ya?'"

---

Why did Kenny Smith roast Adam Sandler?

Adam Sandler and Kenny Smith

Kenny Smith roasted Adam Sandler as part a tribute to the latter's most recent achievement. Sandler was honored by the Kennedy Center's Mark Twain Prize on Mar. 26.

Smith and Sandler worked together in "Hustle", and it was a fun way to commemorate not just Sandler's humor but also his love for basketball. Smith was ruthless in calling out Sandler's speed and shooting but praised his passing.

"If you're playing with Adam Sandler, you will get a lot of shots in 5-on-5 because he will not let the ball go unless he's wide open," Smith said. "Who plays basketball with sunglasses on? ... He's no Magic, but he's got tricks."

---

What is Kenny Smith's role in "Hustle"?

Adam Sandler and Kenny Smith on 'Hustle' (Photo: Pop Culture)

Kenny Smith played Leon Rich on "Hustle." Rich is a sports agent and a friend of Adam Sandler's character named Stanley Sugerman. Smith said in an appearance on "All The Smoke" podcast that he was not close to Sandler before accepting the role.

Spending time together on set while filming the movie made the two closer. Smith was also uncertain about playing Rich, as he had multiple lines. He had only played minor roles and made cameos before "Hustle." He even hired an acting coach in preparation for the movie.