Shaq Outplays Angel Reese, Wins $100K Bet in Lighthearted Competition…

Angel Reese Reveals How She Lost a $100K Bet to Shaquille O’Neal: “He Got Me!”

A bet is a bet.

Angel Reese jokingly bet Shaquille O’Neal $100,000 on whether he would make a free throw, as seen in a video she posted Wednesday on her Instagram Story.

“$100,000 dollars if you make this shot. Let’s see,” Reese said.

That’s when O’Neal, who infamously struggled with free-throw shooting during his NBA career, sunk a shot.

Reese started laughing and cheering, while a bunch of people in the gym oohed and yelled.

The bet between Reese and O’Neal stemmed from their close relationship and mutual admiration, both as LSU alumni and prominent figures in the basketball world. Shaq has been one of Reese’s biggest supporters throughout her rise to fame, particularly after she led LSU to a historic victory in the 2023 NCAA Women’s Basketball Championship. Their camaraderie grew stronger as Shaq frequently praised Reese’s tenacity, competitiveness, and charisma on the court, dubbing her “the best athlete to ever come out of LSU.”

During a casual conversation, Shaq and Reese found themselves debating their respective skills and accomplishments, leading to a light-hearted challenge. According to Reese, the former NBA star claimed that she couldn’t replicate one of his legendary feats—scoring a certain number of points in a specific type of game. Reese, never one to back down from a challenge, confidently bet $100,000 that she could do it. However, things didn’t go exactly as she had planned.

In a recent interview, Reese recounted the details of the bet with her signature humor and confidence. “I really thought I had it in the bag,” Reese said with a laugh. “You know, when Shaq calls you out, you can’t say no. I was ready to show him I could do it. But…he got me!”

Reese didn’t disclose the exact details of the game or challenge, but it’s clear that Shaq’s experience and basketball IQ may have given him the upper hand. “It was one of those things where I thought I had it, but then Shaq pulls out some veteran moves, and before I knew it, I was like, ‘Wait, what just happened?’” she joked. “I’m a competitor, but Shaq’s on a whole different level.”

Though she lost the bet, Reese was gracious in defeat. “It’s all love between me and Shaq,” she said, smiling. “He’s been in my corner since day one, so if I’m going to lose $100,000 to anybody, it might as well be him.”

Shaquille O’Neal, known for his larger-than-life personality and sense of humor, couldn’t resist chiming in on the story. During a separate interview, Shaq confirmed the bet and playfully teased Reese. “Yeah, she thought she could take me down, but I’ve been doing this for years,” he said, laughing. “Angel is a beast on the court, but there’s some things only Shaq can do, you know?”

He also praised Reese for being a good sport about the bet. “Angel’s got heart, and that’s what makes her special. She’ll get me back one day, I’m sure,” Shaq said. “But for now, I’m up 100 grand!”

While Shaq didn’t reveal whether the money had actually exchanged hands, it’s clear that the entire bet was all in good fun, serving to highlight the friendly bond between the two LSU legends.

Angel Reese’s rise to stardom has been nothing short of meteoric. After her dominant performance in the 2023 NCAA Tournament, where she led the LSU Tigers to their first-ever women’s basketball championship, Reese has become one of the most recognizable athletes in college sports. Known for her confident, unapologetic personality and immense talent, she has amassed a huge following on social media and earned lucrative endorsement deals.

Despite the playful loss to Shaq, Reese’s star power remains undiminished. In fact, stories like these have only enhanced her reputation as a relatable and engaging figure in the sports world. She continues to embrace the spotlight, both on and off the court, using her platform to inspire young athletes and advocate for women’s sports.

The $100K bet between Angel Reese and Shaquille O’Neal has become a charming example of the fun and competitive spirit shared by athletes. For Reese, the playful loss is just another chapter in her growing legacy, showcasing her willingness to challenge herself and her good-natured attitude, even in defeat.

As Shaq and Reese continue to dominate their respective spheres, their friendly rivalry will likely endure, serving as a reminder that, in sports, it’s not always about winning the bet—it’s about the camaraderie and the joy of competition. For now, Reese may be down $100,000, but with her talent and drive, it’s only a matter of time before she finds a way to settle the score.