It’s Kobe vs Shaq, Not Just Caitlin Clark vs Angel Reese: How WNBA’s Rookie Matchup Stirs a Decades-Old Rivalry Among Lakers Teammates

Nothing intrigues the fans more than a fiery rivalry transpiring on the hardwood. The one that has attracted a lot of traction in the modern era is the squaring-off between the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer Caitlin Clark and the 2023 NCAA Tournament Most Outstanding Player Angel Reese. So much so that now their equation is drawing resonance to that of the legendary Lakers pair of Shaquille O’ Neal and Kobe Bryant. Even though the bitterness between these two NBA legends vanished towards the twilights of their respective careers, a sense of friction remains.

Both Reese and Clark have been at the epicenter of the massive transformation that women’s basketball is going through in recent times. From sold-out stadiums to record-breaking viewerships, the duo never shied away from taking center stage in taking the game to new heights. Now, some can sense same the strife between Reese and Clark as that of Bryant and O’Neal. However, the similarities are not simply because of the immense competitive spirit present.

How does the success of Caitlin Clark have a Kobe Bryant flavor?

Not so long ago, the 3x All-American forward Reese expressed pride towards her adversary Clark. The occasion was the latter breaking the all-time NCAA scoring record. Anyhow, Clark scoring the 3,528th point wasn’t the only major takeaway from that historic night. Seemingly, the flashy footwear in the form of Nike Kobe 5 Protro ‘Bruce Lee’ also managed to catch a lot of eyeballs. “They got magic in them” -these were Clark’s words when she was asked as to why she chose to don the stylish yellow-black pair of sneakers on that memorable day.

Although there is no proof of an existing direct alleged link between these two basketball phenoms, Clark has flaunted a connection through such means earlier as well. Apparently, the 2× USBWA National Player of the Year has been a staunch promoter of the iconic sneaker line for quite some time. On another such occasion, the 6-foot Iowa-born guard trusted the late great’s legacy by putting on a Nike Kobe 6 Protro Mambacita. This was after she chose to donate her pair of Nike Kobe 6 Protro Reverse Grinch to a young Iowa fan. She reflected on the moment by saying, “It was her first ever Iowa basketball game. I’m sure she will wanna come back for a lot more now.” 

It is perhaps due to these inspiring instances that Caitlin Clark is now the richest female basketball brand ambassador of the billion-dollar company. As it turns out, the eight-year, $28m contract happens to be the highest ever for any women’s basketball player. And just like Kobe, she has a potential signature line waiting for her next year.

Nonetheless, such illustrious developments can also be traced to the life and career of the ‘Chi-Barbie’. And who better to elevate her commercial standings than her beloved Uncle Shaq?

The Shaq and Angel Reese connection beyond the domains of basketball

The special bond that former LSU standout Angel Reese and NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal share is a long-existing tale now for basketball fans. The 4× NBA champion never hesitates in having Reese’s back whether it’s protecting her from online trolling or showing up for her on her senior day.

Be that as it may, this relationship took a business angle the moment Reebok appointed O’Neal as the President of Reebok Basketball in October last year. A clearer picture of this fact is seen in his first decision in this role. He decides to offer a major endorsement deal to the 2023 national champion Reese and makes her the face of Reebok’s quest to become a dominant player in women’s basketball again.

Later, the 7th overall WNBA draft pick cited her reasons as to why the sports brand was her top choice among others. Reese expressed, “What was it about Reebok? One, they didn’t have a woman, a women’s basketball player, a face. So I wanted to do that. Two, Shaq, you know, my relationship with Shaq, and three, I like how they were rebranding everything, and they’re like letting me be the creator behind like everything I want to do.” 

Moreover, Reese also confirmed that her collaboration promises a signature line as well. Fans can expect an own shoe of the ferocious former Lady Tigers player a couple of years down the line. This is the kind of trust that Shaq has in Reese as he believes that she has what it takes to make the shoe brand a powerhouse once again.

The two of them are set to lock horns for the second time as pros. While most people will be looking forward to who can exhibit their skills better, there will also be a lot who will have their eyes on which sports brand gets the upper hand. Also, can they witness a Kobe Bryant- Shaquille O Neal aura on the hardwood? We’ll have to wait and see.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.