NBA
Shaquille O'Neal
NBA center, four-time NBA champion, 2000 MVP
All evidence
4 records, newest first. Strength changes with age and weight class, so check the date and context before you compare.
2018
- Bench press475 lb
“In your prime, how much could you bench-press? My max was 475.”
Date is the interview date (article 2018-10-03); he gives no year for the lift, only 'in my prime'. He adds 'In my prime, I did it twice' (two occasions or two reps is unclear; reps left null). EssentiallySports and FirstSportz repeat the quote.
- Bench press415 lb
“I'm up to 415 now. I've got a bad shoulder, but I'm trying to get back to that.”
His current best at the time of the interview, with a bad shoulder. Dated by article date, 2018-10-03. Reps not stated.
2013
- Bench press315 lb
“They both completed 135-pound, 225-pound, and 315-pound bench presses in the first three rounds, respectively.”
Comedy promo for the film Pain & Gain with Dwayne Johnson and Mark Wahlberg as spotters; the headline says Barkley faked his 405, so spotter help is possible. Shaq failed 405 in round 4. Dated by NBC Sports Philadelphia, 2013-04-26 ('Another Reason to Love Sir Charles: He Out-Benched Shaq!'). Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=laflwtrpy-4 (not watched).
1995
- Bench press375 lb
“From lifting 150 lbs on the bench press, O'Neal was able to push himself to increase the weight to 375 lbs.”
One secondhand report (Sportskeeda says it draws on a 1996 SI.com story, which could not be opened). Reps not stated. His own stated career max is 475 lb (Muscle & Fitness, 2018), recorded separately.