In a world where athletes are starting podcasts left and right to drop nuggets of wisdom (and occasionally weird tangents), Shaquille O’Neal just set a new bar with his latest chat on Angel Reese’s podcast, Unapologetically. Yes, that Shaq: NBA Hall of Famer, king of rebound, and now, apparently, a self-proclaimed expert on life’s final act. And let’s just say his thoughts on the future, love, and loneliness had Angel Reese—and the internet—totally shook.
When asked about getting married again, Shaq’s response was equal parts deep, funny, and just a little sad: “Probably not, I might end up alone, I already know that.” Imagine Reese’s face, probably expecting an “I’m just waiting for the right one” type of answer. Instead, she got “solo Shaq,” a contemplative twist not usually expected from the big guy. He then added the kicker: “There’s no manual on how to be the perfect man or husband.” Points for honesty, Shaq, but we’re not sure anyone expected you to drop an existential bomb on a Thursday podcast.
Reese, the former LSU basketball star who’s already racked up over 4 million followers across her social media, took it in stride, but the internet? Oh, they had a field day. From fans joking “Shaq’s probably about to buy an island to spend his last days” to one genius comment suggesting he date fellow NBA legend Charles Barkley, the reactions were priceless. One bold listener even threw in, “Isn’t Shaq close to 60? Bro, you’re already alone!” Shaq might be the only guy who can make existential dread sound like a punchline.
But let’s be real—this was far from the only bombshell on Reese’s podcast lately. With Shaq mentoring her as part of his Big Podcast Network (and maybe taking a few humorous jabs at her along the way), Reese has been working her way into sports-media stardom, and her career’s only heating up. Sure, she’s out for a while due to an injury, but she’ll soon be back, joining the brand-new 3v3 pro basketball league, Unrivaled. And get this: she’s set to play alongside some of the best, like Chelsea Gray, Kelsey Plum, and Breanna Stewart.
Shaq might be preparing for a solitary journey into the sunset, but Angel Reese? She’s just getting started. So here’s to Unapologetically—where life lessons get awkward, heartfelt, and unexpectedly hilarious, one Shaq conversation at a time.