Shaunie O'Neal -- Shut Down in Court ... Score One for Shaq

Shaunie O'Neal was unconvincing this morning in court ... a judge just rejected her bid for an order allowing her to put her kids on a new reality show ... something ex-hubby Shaquille O'Neal is vehemently against.

Shaunie wanted the judge to rule in her favor without a hearing, but Shaq's lawyer, disso-queen Laura Wasser convinced the judge there was no rush and a hearing was only fair ... but that takes time.

TMZ broke the story ... Shaq -- who has joint custody -- has been warring with Shaunie over the reality show, insisting ubiquitous cameras at home would be a terrible distraction for their 4 kids ... some of whom are already struggling in school. He's also worried the show will portray Shaunie and the kids in a negative light.

Shaunie has insisted the show will be wholesome family fun, but with scandal-hungry producers breathing down Shaunie's neck and her own cat-fighting track record on "Basketball Wives" ... Shaq isn't convinced.

Filming for the reality show is scheduled to begin in January ... so Shaunie's really under the gun.