Shaquille O’Neal slams troll who went after Aussie star Ben Simmons

THE message is clear: do not troll Aussie star Ben Simmons unless you want Shaquille O’Neal to open a full can of whoop-ass on you.

Basketball tour match: Melbourne United v Louisiana State University at Hisense Arena, Melbourne. Ben Simmons of LSU and Melbourne's Igor Hadziomerovic. Picture Stuart Walmsley

NEVER troll Ben Simmons.

We know that now, thanks to the unfortunate story of the unsuspecting teenager that copped a fistful of Shaq all up in his grill for taking a shot at the Australian college hoops phenomenon.

We knew Shaquille O’Neal and Ben Simmons had a special bond through their Louisiana State University ties, but it’s clear the relationship means more to the pair than a media photo op or name drop.

O’Neal has Simmons back.

Here’s the proof.

The 19-year-old son of former Melbourne Tigers great Dave Simmons posted a simple picture on his Instagram account showing him having some fun during a casual shoot around on the morning before a big match.

The post captioned “GAMEDAY” with a Tiger emoji attracted more than 10,000 likes and 350 comments.

An Instagram member with the username htobes23 posted one of the 350 comments — at least until Shaq shut him down and prompted him to delete the statement.

“You can’t shoot and your mom doesn’t love you,” htobes23 commented on the picture.

“Don’t choke tonight.”

A few hours later, the troll would regret writing those words.

When an LSU fan tagged O’Neal in the comments section of Simmons’ post, the 15-time NBA All-Star showed you should never mess with a friend of the Shaq Attack.

Hey, at least this happened 🔥 pic.twitter.com/t9qMx6vKCt

— The LSU Logo (@LSU_Logo) December 1, 2015

“And me and ben kno your mom very well but we Dnt kno which one of us can be your father,” Shaq posted.

“Watch your mouth Dnt make me discipline you. Son,”

You don’t want this man coming after you.

Shaq’s impressive rejection was a huge hit with LSU fans.

@LSU_Logo @rbruno43 @siegv7 @Tripp_L @SHAQ just shaqtin' a fool. Somebody get that kid some bengay. Smoked him

— Danny McInnis (@dannymcinnis) December 1, 2015

Instagram user luvnlife4sho was also one of the LSU fans who appreciated Shaq’s intervention.

“Hollering @shaq get’em,” the user commented.

“Seriously people are so disrespectful keyboard cowards writing checks their azz’s can’t cash!

“@bensimmons25 proud of you we win some you lose some such is the life of a sports professional. Regroup, refocus, recharge and let’s gooooooooo!”

Earlier this week, Simmons became the first LSU player to score 43 points in a game since O’Neal did the same thing in 1991.

Simmons’ mindblowing game in which he also notched 14 rebounds, seven assists, five steals and three blocks once again marked him as the likely No. 1 pick at the 2016 NBA draft.

Perhaps, htobes23 was the inspiration for Simmons’ epic performance in the Tigers 119-108 win over the North Florida Ospreys.

“I’m tired of losing. I just wanted everyone to get energy and try to play as a team and get the win. Overall, we did that,” Simmons said after the game.

Watch out for the Shaq attack!

“No one likes losing and especially not at home. It gave us more energy so it fuelled the fire a little bit. I know everyone else is tired of losing and everyone is picking it up and contributing.”

In what was LSU’s best offensive game of the short season, every starter scored in double-digits, with Simmons backed up by Tim Quarterman and Josh Gray; who scored a combined 38 points.

Simmons’ stat-line makes him the only Division One freshman in the last 20 seasons with at least 35 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a game.

It also makes him the only major conference player in the last 20 seasons with at least 40 points, 10 rebounds, five assists and five steals in a game, according to ESPN Stats and Info.

The last time an LSU player scored more than 40 points was in 2009 when forward Tasmin Mitchell scored 41 points.

Simmons is now averaging 19.9 points, 14.9 rebounds, 6.0 assists, 2.4 steals and 1.6 blocks per game, while shooting 53.8 percent from the field.

LSU has a big break before their next fixture, a road game against Houston on Monday, December 14 (AEDT).