Shaquille O’Neal is not only one of the greatest players in the history of the NBA, but he’s also a mentor to WNBA star Angel Reese.

Both are alumni of LSU, and Shaq has been one of Reese’s biggest supporters.

During a recent interview with Sports Illustrated, Shaq discussed why Reese is misunderstood and the advice he gave her on dealing with critics. 

"[She's] really a nice, beautiful young lady. But when you're in this [sport] of ours, you have a play a certain way and you have to be a certain way," Shaq said. "A lot of times, they, if they don't understand who you are, they misconceive. But I tell her all the time, 'Don't worry about that.”

"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," Shaq went. "And in order to be great, you have to know you're great."

"She just needs to continue to... play her game, better her game, and don't worry about the nonsense. I tell her all the time: 'Don't be looking at those comments.' Because they don't really have a voice, they just think they do," Shaq concluded.

Along with supporting Reese, Shaq is also set to release his new docuseries Power Moves that chronicles the relaunch of Reebok. As President of Reebok Basketball, alongside Vice President and fellow NBA legend Allen Iverson, the six-part series gives a behind-the-scenes look at the brand’s new blueprint for success.

“Power Moves isn’t just about sneakers or titles. It’s about showing the work behind building something meaningful,” Shaq said about the project. “This series shows the strategy, setbacks, and wins of what it really takes to lead a brand you love. Reebok gave me my start, and now I get to help write its next chapter.”