Shaquille O'Neal Explains Why He's Backed Angel Reese More Than Caitlin Clark

When it comes to who should win WNBA Rookie of the Year, Los Angeles Lakers great Shaquille O’Neal hasn’t been shy about his support of Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese.

But after Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark logged her second triple-double of the season against the Los Angeles Sparks on Wednesday night, O’Neal seems to have softened on his pro-Reese stance.

“(Clark) does everything right,” Shaq told Sports Illustrated . “I never spoke about her (before) because Angel (Reese) is my girl but I can truthfully say — Caitlin Clark is for real. I’m watching her play and I'm trying to be upset but she makes the right pass, makes the right play. Girls try to beat her up and she doesn’t really complain. She’s a great one, even early on (in her career).”

Clark, who leads Reese in pretty much every major statistical category except rebounding, is becoming the runaway favorite to win Rookie of the Year.

She’s been one of the league’s hottest players since the Olympic break, and some are even putting her in the MVP conversation — and O’Neal has noticed.

“She’s the real deal,” O’Neal added. “Much respect to her and her family and the way she grew up and the way she plays. All little girls should watch all the WNBA players play but those two (Clark and Reese) are my favorite.”

Related: WNBA Fans Sound Off on Angel Reese for Using Caitlin Clark to Promote Her Podcast