Shaquille O’Neal has been a big Angel Reese supporter since she won the 2023 National Championship with his alma mater, LSU. Earlier, his bias towards Reese held him back from praising her rival Caitlin Clark. But lately, things are changing.

Shaquille O’Neal’s perspective on Caitlin Clark has evolved significantly since watching her courtside during the Chicago Sky vs. Indiana Fever game in late August. On *The Big Podcast*, Shaq praised Clark’s game, but also reaffirmed his loyalty to Angel Reese.

“Let’s not get it twisted. I’m Angel all day. I don’t want her to think I’m turning my back on her. NFL, I’m Cowboys…WNBA, I’m Angel all day,” Shaq emphasized.

Clark delivered an outstanding performance that day, scoring 31 points and dishing out 12 assists, while Angel Reese contributed 10 points and 11 rebounds. Clark’s impressive play helped lead the Fever to a 19-point victory, leaving a lasting impression on O’Neal.

Shaq complimented Clark’s court vision and ability to facilitate, admitting that seeing her in person made him appreciate her talents more. However, he remained steadfast in his preference for Reese. “Caitlin plays the right way. I’ve seen her on TV, and a lot of times what we see on TV doesn’t always translate to the court. But I saw it—she makes the right play, makes her teammates better, and she shoots the ball well. But I’m still Angel Reese all day.”

When co-host Adam Lefkoe suggested Clark and Reese would make a formidable inside-outside duo, Shaq disagreed, preferring to keep the rivalry intact. “I don’t want them together, I want them to battle against each other.”

Although Shaq has started to give Clark more recognition, he is adamant that other WNBA players deserve attention too. He strongly countered Charles Barkley’s claim on *The Bill Simmons Podcast* that Clark was being unfairly targeted by her peers, clarifying that the jealousy towards Clark is more “professional” than malicious.

“Loudmouths like Chuck are talking about hating—it’s not hating. As good as Caitlin Clark is, a lot of young ladies have been doing great things without getting the recognition. Everyone has to wait their turn.”

Despite his support for Reese, O’Neal has increasingly given Clark her due credit. In a September 5 interview with *Sports Illustrated*, he called her the “real deal” and admitted that his bias for Reese had previously clouded his judgment of Clark’s talent.

Ultimately, Clark’s stellar performances in the second half of the season earned her respect even from one of Reese’s biggest advocates.