Imagine being a rookie but with Shaquille O’Neal by your side, to lean on, from day one. That’s the reality for Angel Reese, who had the Hall of Famer by her side throughout her rookie year in 2024 and now steps into her sophomore season with his guidance still close. That connection has sparked endless curiosity: are the Chicago Sky star and the Lakers legend related?

Their bond goes beyond the court. As Reebok’s basketball president, one of Shaq’s first moves was signing Reese. That deal led to her own signature shoes, released last year. They’ve also shared podcast mics and often field questions about each other. The closeness is apparent. Shaq even escorted Reese at LSU’s senior ceremony in March 2024, fueling talk of a family tie.

Are Shaquille O’Neal and Angel Reese related? The truth

No, Shaquille O’Neal and Angel Reese are not related. The confusion primarily comes from their shared ties to basketball and LSU, along with O’Neal’s habit of championing Reese on social media and in interviews. To casual fans, the closeness between them might look like family ties, but their relationship is rooted in mentorship and shared experiences rather than bloodlines.

Reese herself has leaned into the closeness of their bond, often referring to Shaquille O’Neal as “Unc” and even calling him a “father figure.” “He’s super inspiring to me and a father figure.” Those words, paired with their visible connection at LSU and beyond, naturally fueled speculation that there might be a family link.

But there are no blood ties between them. Shaq has walked Reese through the tough parts of being in the spotlight, from dealing with critics to trusting her own game. For Reese, O’Neal has become less of a distant icon and more of a guiding star, a Hall of Famer who understands the spotlight she’s under and chooses to help her navigate it.

How did their relationship develop? From LSU to the WNBA

Shaquille O’Neal and Angel Reese’s connection began during her time at LSU, where their shared alma mater created common ground. The ex-Laker saw a rising star who reminded him of himself, bold, confident, and misunderstood, and he embraced the mentor role. O’Neal even walked with Reese during her senior ceremony in March 2024, a public display of support that left little doubt he saw her as someone he could help mold into a better player and a stronger person.

That support didn’t stop at appearances. In April 2023, when Reese faced online bullying, O’Neal stepped in directly, calling out Barstool’s Dave Portnoy and telling him to “shut up” after his criticism of Reese went viral. It was classic Shaq, using his stature to silence detractors and protect someone he believed deserved better. To many fans, it confirmed that his investment in Reese wasn’t superficial.

Now in the WNBA, Reese says O’Neal’s guidance has carried over. “He just said, people are gonna hate me. People are not gonna like me, people are gonna feel some type of way because they wish they were me, they’re gonna judge me,” she told USA Today.

What has Shaquille O’Neal said about Angel Reese?

Shaquille O’Neal has never shied away from backing young talent. Just last month, as president of Reebok’s basketball division, he signed a six-year-old MMA fighter to a deal, underscoring how much he values investing in the next generation. With Angel Reese, that same instinct to nurture is on full display. In an interview with Sports Illustrated, O’Neal explained why he thinks she often gets misunderstood: “She’s really a nice, beautiful young lady. But when you’re in this sport of ours, you have to play a certain way and you have to be a certain way. A lot of times, if they don’t understand who you are, they misconceive. But I tell her all the time, ‘Don’t worry about that.’”

Shaq has gone further, insisting that Reese deserves recognition among the very best. “She’s as good and even better than some of the people that y’all are kissing up to. But y’all don’t know it. But she knows it. And in order to be great, you have to know you’re great,” he said. His advice to Reese is consistent: stay focused on her game, ignore the noise, and embrace her greatness. He said, “She just needs to continue to play her game, better her game, and don’t worry about the nonsense. Don’t be looking at those comments, because they don’t really have a voice, they just think they do.”

How has Angel Reese responded to Shaquille O’Neal’s mentorship?

Angel Reese has embraced O’Neal’s guidance with equal parts gratitude and humor. She hasn’t hesitated in interviews to describe the Hall of Famer as “Unc” and a father figure, telling USA TODAY Sports: “He’s super inspiring to me. He’s so genuine; he’s been there for me through tough times. He just gets it, and there’s not a more perfect person for me to be tight with. We have fun, and if I need anything, he would help me … and he would do that even if I never played basketball again. He doesn’t care about me as a player, he cares about me as a person.” Regardless of her performance, the faith that he has her back defines their bond.

At the same time, Reese isn’t afraid to poke fun at her mentor. Last October, a clip went viral when she challenged Shaq on Instagram: “$100,000 if you make this shot.” O’Neal calmly stepped to the free-throw line, dribbled twice, and swished it. Reese followed up with the caption, “I guess I owe him 100k 😭 .” The exchange showed the playful side of their relationship, proof that while she leans on him for guidance, she also enjoys treating him like family. The confidence that Shaq’s guidance has boosted in her is on full display as she goes on a world tour with her Reebok collection selling out.

Those close to both stars see why the connection works. LSU assistant coach Bob Starkey, who coached O’Neal in the ’90s and later Reese, noted the similarities: “There’s really strong parallels in their personalities. They love people, they welcome the spotlight that comes with stardom, they both have a great love for this school and an enthusiasm for life.”

A strong bond built on respect and shared values

Angel Reese and Shaquille O’Neal aren’t blood-related, but their connection runs deep. She openly calls him “Unc” and a father figure, while he’s consistently defended her and advised her on how to handle critics.

Their relationship is less about appearances and more about guidance. O’Neal uses his platform to back young talent, and Reese has welcomed that mentorship as she adjusts to the WNBA spotlight. It’s a solid but straightforward bond built on shared LSU ties, mutual respect, and an understanding of what it takes to thrive under pressure.