Baller-in-Chief

(From ABC News Online)

Shaq to Obama: If the Shoe Fits, Dunk It

Obama finds Shaq’s size 23 sneaker a shoe difficult to fill

What’s the ideal gift for a basketball-obsessed president? Try a size 23 sneaker personally autographed by Shaquille O’Neal.

The Phoenix Suns center couldn’t be around himself when President Barack Obama arrived at Sky Harbor International Airport Tuesday afternoon. So when the president stepped off of Air Force One, Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon’s son Jake made the presentation at the foot of the stairs.

President Obama is presented with Shaq’s sneaker from the 2009 NBA All-Star Game. (ABC News)

(From the Kansas City Star)

Shaq’s shoe makes a big impression on Obama

The orange-and-white sneaker made a big impression.

Obama set it on the ground next to his own, much smaller shoe, and grinned as photographers captured the moment. Then Obama scooped it up and took it with him as he stepped into the presidential limo.

In Sunday’s NBA All-Star game, O’Neal shared MVP honors with Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jake Gordon, son of Phoenix Mayor Phil Gordon, left, gives an autographed shoe from NBA basketball star Shaquille O’Neil to President Barack Obama as he arrives at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix, Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2009. (Gerald Herbert)

Update (February 18, 2009)

The raw video of this transaction is now available below.

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