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Father Figure Shaquille O’Neal’s First Words to Angel Reese After WNBA Draft Revealed

Published 04/19/2024, 10:19 PM EDT

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LSU Tigers icon Angel Reese has finally fulfilled her desire by entering the WNBA. On April 15, the defensive forward was selected as the 7th pick by the Chicago Sky, which made the LSU unit take pride in her. Several stars have been passing on their wishes to the 21-year-old over the last few days. However, the latest and most meaningful one was from Los Angeles Lakers legend Shaquille O’Nealas he conveyed a beautiful message to Reese, whom he considers his daughter. 

As a father of six, Shaq has taken a lot of pride in his kids. That’s the same way he is willing to treat Angel Reese. After the Tigers superstar made it to the WNBA, Shaq revealed, The first thing I told her is I was proud of her“, like any other father would do. Shaq has stood as a pillar of support for Reese since day one. He said, am described as Angel’s understandable ear…I know things that she went through, I know what she’s going throughI know what’s about to happen to her, and I could give her advice.”

And this is exactly why Reese looks at Shaq as a “father figure. When asked about the 4x champion, Reese said, He’s so genuinehe’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.” This connection between two LSU greats was unexpected, but definitely a promising one! 

“I know…what’s about to happen to her: What is Shaq hinting at here? 

Ever since Reese won her first national championship in 2023, she has been subject to criticism for various things. It started with her ring celebration on Caitlin Clark last year. After she lost to the Iowa Hawkeyes in the semi-finals of the NCAA this season, she opened up about the difficulties of facing hateful comments and criticism. Reese shared, “I just try to stay strong…I’ve been through so much. I’ve seen so much. I’ve been attacked so many times. Death threats I’ve been threatenedand I’ve stood strong every single time.”

In all these tough times, Shaq has been there for Reese. But what we should note here is that the LA champion believes Reese will receive more criticism like this soon. The 21-year-old has just entered the WNBA, and things are about to get more serious. While many are sure she will have a great career, Shaq is predicting some bitter episodes ahead. However, what’s sure is that the Los Angeles Lakers legend will be there by Reese whatsoever. 

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Written by:

Rohan Dharmalingam

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Rohan Dharmalingam is an NBA beat writer at EssentiallySports, who extensively covers the Lakers. Be it a multimillion dollar deal breaking or a classic throwback, Rohan has covered the many themes and formats. Most notably, his coverage received a shoutout from the Purple & Gold icon Shaquille O'Neal and the rap legend 50 Cent, on Instagram.
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Edited by:

Shivali Nathta