Instant Regret: Angel Reese’s Reaction to Shaquille O’Neal Praising Caitlin Clark.

In the world of sports, few rivalries can ignite as much conversation as the one between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. Recently, the spotlight shifted once again when Shaquille O’Neal, during an episode of Angel Reese’s podcast, heaped praise on Clark. Reese’s discomfort was palpable, and the fallout has left fans buzzing.

Shaq’s Praise Stuns Reese

During the podcast, Shaq discussed the exceptional skills of Caitlin Clark, particularly highlighting her ability to shoot from long range.

His remarks resonated deeply, showcasing Clark as a player who is not only talented but also groundbreaking in her style of play. “Why do people love Caitlin Clark?

Besides her skills, she can shoot threes from the logo. We’ve never seen that before,” Shaq noted, adding that Clark is “the truth.” This last comment seemed to hit a nerve with Reese.

While discussing Clark, Reese responded with an exasperated “okay,” a reaction that suggested her frustration. Fans quickly picked up on her discomfort, noting how visibly uneasy she looked while Shaq praised her rival.

The Grift of Rivalry

Reese’s podcast has increasingly focused on Clark, raising eyebrows about whether the LSU star is using this rivalry to garner views and attention. With Shaq’s praise, the narrative that Reese is riding the coattails of Clark became even more pronounced. As one fan aptly put it, “Caitlin Clark is literally paying Angel Reese’s rent at this point.”

This has led to the speculation that Reese may be clinging to Clark’s shadow for relevance. After all, without the constant comparisons to Clark, one has to wonder if the same level of interest in Reese would exist.

As Clark is seen in the gym working tirelessly on her game, fans can’t help but notice the stark contrast with Reese’s public appearances.

While Clark is grinding away, showcasing her dedication for the upcoming WNBA season, Reese seems more focused on attending concerts and events rather than honing her skills. Many have called for her to spend more time in the gym, especially considering her shooting struggles last season.

Reactions from fans have been overwhelmingly in favor of Clark, with many pointing out that while Clark has not mentioned Reese in recent months, Reese continues to bring her up.

This one-sided obsession has led to accusations of “clout chasing.” As one commenter noted, “Angel Reese has to attach herself to someone impressive,” suggesting that her brand may hinge on her rivalry with Clark.

In the end, this episode underscores the intense scrutiny that athletes face and the complex dynamics of sports rivalries. While Shaq’s praise for Clark may have angered Reese, it serves as a reminder of Clark’s growing prominence in the WNBA landscape.

The fans are clearly in Clark’s corner, and until Reese can carve out her own identity—separate from the narrative of her rivalry—she may continue to feel overshadowed.

As the 2025 WNBA season approaches, all eyes will be on both players. Will Reese channel this rivalry into motivation for improvement, or will she remain content to dwell in Clark’s shadow? Only time will tell.