“Better than some of the people that y’all are kissing up to”: Shaquille O’Neal goes beyond stats in Angel Reese defense amid criticism

NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal has never been one to shy away from speaking his mind, especially when it comes to supporting young basketball talent. Recently, O’Neal came to the defense of WNBA rookie Angel Reese, who has faced a wave of criticism despite her impressive start in the league.

Reese, known for her tenacity and confidence on the court, has been under intense scrutiny from both fans and media since entering the WNBA. Some critics have questioned her attitude and compared her unfavorably to other players. But Shaq, a longtime supporter of Reese dating back to her college days at LSU, wasn’t having any of it.

On a recent podcast, O’Neal went beyond just quoting stats to make his point. “She’s better than some of the people that y’all are kissing up to,” Shaq declared, emphasizing that Reese’s impact can’t be measured by numbers alone. He pointed out her leadership, work ethic, and the energy she brings to every game—qualities that often get overlooked in the rush to judge her performance.

Shaq also called out the double standards that young women athletes, especially Black women, often face in professional sports. “Y’all need to stop nitpicking and let her grow. She’s a winner and she’s only going to get better,” he added.

O’Neal’s passionate defense struck a chord with many fans, who echoed his sentiments on social media. As Angel Reese continues to find her footing in the league, having a legend like Shaq in her corner is a powerful reminder that greatness isn’t always about the box score—it’s about heart, resilience, and the ability to rise above the noise.

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