NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal has had Angel Reese's back since her inception in the WNBA, and continues to do so in a recent outburst regarding people on the internet using her name for clout purposes.

On the May 26 episode of The Rich Eisen Show, Shaq was asked about Reese's fit in the Atlanta Dream, along with Lauren Betts' fit in the Washington Mystics, whom he also signed to Reebok.

While O'Neal only had good things to say about his mentees, he also took this opportunity to aim at the online pundits regularly trying to target Reese and Betts for personal gain.

"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... Because enough is enough. Like, you know, the problem with your guys' profession now is you're letting amateurs come in, and amateurs think they have the same rights as you guys have." Shaq said.

"So, you're letting all these guys come in, and they just say stuff off the wall, and they keep going. And then 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," the Lakers icon added.

Angel Reese has played a part in the league's increased visibility, becoming one of the most polarizing players following her rivalry with Caitlin Clark since college days.

Given her role as sort of a "villain" to Clark,  Reese has received a disproportionate amount of criticism and negative attention from fans and the media.

But Shaq has decided to put a foot down and also put the "amateurs" in their place.

Additionally, the bond between Shaq and Reese runs back to their LSU days and Reebok.

Shaquille O'Neal's Connection With Angel Reese

Both Shaq and Reese transitioned into the NBA and the WNBA, respectively, through LSU, with the big man also recently attaining his master's degree from the university, which shows how he has still kept in touch with his humble beginnings.

In addition, Shaq is also the president of Reebok's basketball division and signed Reese to a major endorsement deal early on in her career. He also signed Betts this year when it was a given that she would be joining the WNBA as a top pick in the draft.

"They have my number," O'Neal said of the Reebok athletes. "They know if they need me, they can call me. Another role of being a mentor is not to micromanage. You know, sometimes you just have to let people figure it out on their own."

With such powerful words, Shaq continues to remain one of women's basketball's most powerful voices. As the WNBA rapidly expands, Shaq's commentary on it carries even more weight.

So, do you think the online criticism regarding Angel Reese will reduce after Shaq's strong words? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy