LSU basketball star Angel Reese found herself in an unexpected moment of tension when NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal appeared on her podcast and made comments that left both Reese and her fans stunned. What began as a lighthearted conversation between two Louisiana sports icons quickly turned heated as Shaq didn’t hold back his thoughts.
During the podcast, Shaq praised Reese’s talent but shifted gears to address what he called a “lack of focus” in her recent performances. “You’re a phenomenal player, Angel, but sometimes you get caught up in the noise. The greatest players tune that out and stay locked in,” he said. Reese, visibly taken aback, responded by defending her commitment and work ethic.
“I’m not here to just play the game; I’m here to change it,” Reese shot back, emphasizing her desire to inspire the next generation of athletes. However, Shaq didn’t budge, adding, “That’s great, but changing the game starts with dominating it consistently.”
The exchange sparked an immediate reaction online, with fans split over Shaq’s comments. Some applauded his tough love, claiming it could motivate Reese to elevate her game further. Others criticized the NBA legend for publicly calling her out, arguing that Reese has already proven herself as a national champion and rising star.
“Shaq’s just jealous Angel is getting all the attention,” one fan tweeted, while another wrote, “This is the kind of mentorship young players need—it’s not always about flattery.”
Despite the tension, Reese maintained her composure throughout the interview and later took to social media to address the moment. “I respect Shaq, but I’m always going to stand up for myself. That’s what makes me who I am,” she posted.
Angel Reese Throws Beef Rumors Out of the Bus as She Mocks Ex-Sky Teammate’s Other Skills at Unrivaled
The Unrivaled is only 3 days away from the kick-off and the fun doesn’t seem to stop. It has brought former teammates and friends under one roof before the WNBA season and that too in Miami! Naturally, one of those who continues to garner a lot of attention is Angel Reese. This time, it’s her interaction with a former teammate, who was traded away right before the Olympics break.
“HAHAHAHA no it was good come Grab a bowl and review 😭.” Marina Mabrey added a reply on X after the LSU Alum sent a three-word reply. “I just gasped….” She left this after seeing what her former teammate cooked for DiJonai Carrington.
A few hours ago, Mabrey shared a photo of what she cooked after receiving the supplies from the Sun’s teammate. “Guys I left Nai some pasta last night for her post game dinner 😈🫶🏻she said she’s nervous, haven’t heard back…😭😭.”
The reply from Angel Reese sums up the emotion that most netizens are feeling. Even they didn’t think it was pasta. So, DiJonai feeling nervous is normal. But this was not all between these two WNBA athletes ready to kickstart a fiery Unrivaled league.
Chi-Town Barbie initiated the conversation to put the rumors to bed. “Money Mabel, we have a conspiracy.” Obviously, Mabrey was puzzled at first. “What, what happened? It’s live, I can’t even think of an answer.” Ultimately, Angel Reese asked the question, “People wanna know – Marina did you leave Chicago because of me?” The Sun player didn’t even hesitate to say, “No. I love Angel. The real one’s know.”
Even previously, the 28-year-old stated that it was an organizational issue rather than a personal one. And she also appreciated the LSU alum. “Angel’s personality is great. She comes out, she’s always having fun. She’s kind of contagious with her energy and stuff so just being her teammate and watching her grow has been something that I’m proud of.”
And the love and banter has continued before the first Unrivaled season.
Marina Mabrey posted a hilariously awkward viral dance TikTok in the gym with Satou Sabally. Captioned “HAHA,” the video went viral, but Angel Reese wasn’t about to let it slide. “Marina, I think you can do better 😭😭🤣,” she replied. Mabrey, who is not giving up on cooking also didn’t want to give up, “I deffff can imma try again tmrw 😅.”
Angel Reese was not letting her former teammate settle so easily. “Because the way you came in the training room today so excited for me to see, I was expecting better, sister 😭🤣🤣🤣.” Even though they were together for a short period of time, they would be going their separate ways, just like the WNBA.
Mabrey is with Phantom BC. Meanwhile, Reese teams up with Kahleah Copper, Chelsea Gray, Lexie Hull, Azura Stevens, and Brittney Sykes for the Rose BC. So, it’s all fun and games for now, until the league starts on the 17th of this month.
