Chicago Sky star Angel Reese has never shied away from the spotlight, but when critics have lined up against her, one legendary voice has always had her back—Shaquille O’Neal.
Reese recently appeared on Netflix’s Power Moves with Shaquille O’Neal, where she opened up about her relationship with the Hall of Famer and LSU icon.
“Shaq is an important person in my life,” Reese said. “He’s like unc. He’s like a friend. He’s like a father figure. He’s just somebody that really cares for me. So, what’s important to him is important to me.”
The bond goes both ways. O’Neal has repeatedly defended Reese in tough moments, and he revealed that he views her as more than just a fellow Tiger—he sees her as family.
Reese may be carving out her own path in the WNBA, but she knows she has one of the most dominant players in basketball history firmly in her corner. And just like any father figure, O’Neal made it clear he’s willing to stand up for her anytime.
Their LSU roots brought them together, but the respect and love between them is what makes this relationship so powerful.