Angel Reese has come a long way from starring at LSU to becoming the WNBA’s preeminent rebounder. The 6-foot-3 forward leads the league with 10.8 rebounds per game while averaging 12.3 points for the Atlanta Dream.
Like many players, the 2024 lottery pick has flaws in her game that have drawn criticism over the years, particularly her at-rim finishing ability. However, some have singled out Reese’s on-court struggles simply to generate clicks from WNBA fans. The constant trolling and bullying directed at the Dream star do not sit well with NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who urged critics to stop.
Shaquille O’Neal Slams Critics Mocking Angel Reese’s Game for Internet Clicks
O’Neal, a four-time NBA champion and Hall of Famer, appeared on “The Rich Eisen Show,” where he discussed the WNBA, including his affiliation with Reese and Washington Mystics rookie Lauren Betts.
Reese and Betts are signed with Reebok, a shoe company O’Neal has enjoyed a long and fruitful partnership with since his early days in the NBA. The 2000 MVP told guest host Suzy Shuster he is proud of Reese and Betts for standing out on their respective squads. He added that they are “having fun” and are “determined to do great things” in the league.
But when he was asked about his thoughts on the treatment both players receive on social media, he changed his tone and came to both players’ defense.
“I wish I could punch some of these guys in the face that just pick on my Angel and pick on my Lauren, but I have to be professional,” O’Neal said.
“It’s just a lot of nonsense, and just a lot of embarrassing, a lot of bullying sometimes. And guys bullying (other) guys is fine, but I can’t let you just bully females, just so you can get likes.”
Shaq was asked about Angel Reese’s fit with the Dream and called out “amateurs” with no credentials who crap on Angel to gain followers
“I wish I could punch some of these guys who pick on my Angel… It’s just a lot of nonsense.”
I can think of several people this applies to… pic.twitter.com/F7Skp5Q1vv
— Grant Young (@GrvntYoung) May 28, 2026
O’Neal stepped up his tirade against the critics who tried to highlight Reese’s on-court flaws on social media to bait internet clicks. He labeled them “amateurs” who take advantage of the media to target an individual.
“A lot of guys, when they get off air, they want to go to their page. So, what do they do to go to their page? They’ll take a hot topic and promote it on their page to get their followers up,” O’Neal said.
O’Neal and Reese are both products of LSU’s collegiate basketball program and have shone in the professional ranks. The NBA icon continues to play the role of Reese’s vocal defender while serving as an invaluable mentor and business partner.
