In 2023, Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese celebrated a national championship together as LSU Tigers, but a few years later, their friendship remains a distant memory.
On Saturday, June 27, the former teammates faced each other, Reese with the Atlanta Dream and Johnson with the Seattle Storm. The Storm clinched a 105-90 victory over the Dream, ultimately sending Reese and her team home in defeat.
Johnson attempted to shake hands with Reese, who then walked directly past her on the court. As expected, the WNBA world erupted with comments regarding the interaction.
WNBA World Has Sharp Words for Angel Reese, Flau’jae Johnson
Following the matchup, WNBA fans took to social media to weigh in on the awkward Reese-Johnson moment.
“Flaujae Johnson tries to shake Angel Reese hand to show good sportsmanship and Angel wasn’t having none of it,” one user wrote.
Flaujae Johnson tries to shake Angel Reese hand to show good sportsmanship and Angel wasn’t having none of it 💀 pic.twitter.com/wGX6ayYMmW
— Gio (@jsmove7) June 28, 2026
“Flau’jae Johnson is sneaky for real or people just didn’t watch the game because after how Johnson was acting during play I wouldn’t have shook hands either,” another commented.
Flau’jae is sneaky for real or people just didn’t watch the game because after how Johnson was acting during play I wouldn’t have shook hands either
— 5’2 Mattu (@M2U001) June 28, 2026
“Call it bad sportsmanship if you want, but i’m not dapping up anybody whose GROWN ass mother came online to spread rumors about me and speak ill on my name, knowing me and her child have a friendship,” a separate user wrote.
call it bad sportsmanship if you want, but i’m not dapping up anybody whose GROWN ass mother came online to spread rumors about me and speak ill on my name, knowing me and her child have a friendship. ✌️ https://t.co/TEFeiZT4H9
— jay.☆ (@reese4mvp) June 28, 2026
“Lol she’s just as corny as her mom. That’s so performative,” wrote another.
Lol she’s just as corny as her mom. That’s so performative.
— MaNxele (@Nondzaba90) June 28, 2026
An important context that fans should know is that the pair have made it clear that they’re not friends anymore. This is even more shocking considering the fact that they shared a locker room back at LSU. But it seems like the drama off the court led to their fallout which turned out to be quite public.
In April 2026, the Chicago Sky traded Reese to Atlanta with a 2028 2nd round pick. In return, the Sky received a 2027 1st-round pick and a 2028 1st-round pick. Since landing with the Dream, the 24-year-old forward has averaged 14.8 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 2.5 assists per game while shooting 41.3% from the floor.
As for Johnson, this is her first year playing in the WNBA. So far, she is averaging 12.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.7 assists per game. She is shooting 37.5% from the floor.
Tensions continue to rise between teams in the league, and they’re showing no signs of settling.
