Angel Reese, the dynamic LSU star, has made waves both on and off the court, building her personal brand with unapologetic confidence. One of her ventures outside of basketball has been the podcast “Unapologetically Angel”, a platform designed to showcase her personality and voice beyond the game. But instead of carving out her space in the podcasting world, Reese’s show has inadvertently become a backdrop for constant comparisons to another star: Caitlyn Clark.

From the very first episode, Caitlyn Clark, the University of Iowa phenom, has been an unavoidable topic. Whether it’s her shooting range, leadership on the court, or her growing influence on and off the basketball court, Clark’s shadow looms large in every conversation surrounding Reese. What was meant to be an opportunity for Reese to shine in her own right quickly became a space where the conversation kept circling back to Clark, raising the question: is this an intentional strategy to stay relevant, or a reflection of Clark’s overwhelming presence in women’s basketball?

The tension hit a boiling point during Reese’s episode with basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, whose appearance took an unexpected turn. What should have been a celebratory moment for Reese quickly turned awkward as Shaq, in his signature blunt style, lavished praise on Clark rather than focusing on Reese’s accomplishments. He called Clark the “truth,” drawing comparisons between her three-point shooting and Steph Curry’s long-range ability. Shaq even admitted to being proven wrong by Clark’s performance, a comment that clearly made Reese uncomfortable. Instead of solidifying her status, Reese found herself in a moment of stark contrast as Shaq’s glowing admiration for Clark overshadowed her own narrative.

But the uncomfortable moments didn’t end there. Shaq’s appearance on Reese’s podcast quickly turned into a public spectacle when his critiques of Reese’s game and persona took center stage. For many, Shaq’s remarks were nothing short of harsh. He compared Reese to Antoine Jamison, a respected NBA player, but one whose career never reached the heights of the Hall of Fame. This comparison seemed to suggest that Reese, while a talented player, might be more of a role player rather than a superstar—a comment that didn’t sit well with fans and left Reese visibly uncomfortable.

Perhaps the most controversial moment of all came when Shaq commented on Reese’s layup technique, calling it “basic” and advising her to stop worrying about what others think and focus on her game. For a player like Reese, who has built her brand around bold self-expression and confidence, these remarks seemed less like constructive criticism and more like a deliberate attempt to undermine her approach. Fans on social media were quick to point out the awkwardness, and many labeled Shaq’s remarks as more about creating viral moments than offering genuine advice.

Things only escalated when Shaq, ever the media mogul, took to his own podcast to further amplify the controversy. In a second round of comments, Shaq admitted that everything he said about Reese was “planned”, designed to spark conversation and generate attention. This admission raised eyebrows. Was Shaq’s criticism of Reese a form of tough love, or was it a calculated move to keep his own brand relevant? Either way, Reese found herself in a difficult position, caught in the crossfire of Shaq’s viral media manipulation.

Despite the tension between Shaq and Reese, there’s a larger narrative playing out in the world of women’s basketball. While Reese struggles to maintain control of her public image, Caitlyn Clark continues to rise. Shaq’s effusive praise for Clark, combined with the growing recognition of Clark’s abilities, highlights the contrast between the two players. Clark’s ability to make her teammates better, her consistency on the court, and her media savvy have positioned her as the new face of women’s basketball. She is no longer just a standout player; she’s a transformational figure in the sport.

In comparison, Reese’s attempt to maintain her place in the spotlight often feels overshadowed by Clark’s natural evolution into a future Hall of Famer. Whether it’s Clark’s remarkable three-point shooting, her leadership during the NCAA tournament, or her off-court ventures (such as her growing recognition in golf), Clark’s rise seems organic, fueled by her dedication and undeniable talent.

Shaq’s comments underscore this widening gap. While he praises Clark as the “truth” and a “game changer,” Reese has faced scrutiny not just for her playstyle but also for the controversy surrounding her persona. Her social media antics, rivalries, and the drama surrounding her podcast only seem to amplify the perception that Reese is trying too hard to stay relevant in a world where Clark’s game speaks for itself.

As Reese continues to try to control her public image, Shaq’s words, whether intentionally harsh or simply the product of his unfiltered personality, have done little to help her cause. If Reese wants to reclaim her spot in the conversation, she will need to refocus on what originally made her a household name—her basketball talent. It’s clear that while Clark has stayed laser-focused on her craft, Reese’s attempts to leverage her controversial persona are starting to backfire.

In the end, the biggest lesson from Shaq’s trolling might be this: talent will always outshine drama. Caitlyn Clark, with her consistency and commitment to improving her game, has set the new standard for excellence in women’s basketball. Meanwhile, Angel Reese is left trying to find a way to stay relevant in a space where Clark’s talent and influence seem increasingly impossible to ignore. For now, the spotlight shines brightest on Clark, and Reese’s efforts to reclaim it might need more than just a catchy podcast title or viral moments.

As the rivalry between these two stars continues to heat up, one thing is clear: Caitlyn Clark is shaping the future of women’s basketball, and for Reese to keep pace, she will need to let her game do the talking, not her podcast. The ball, quite literally, is in her court.