Shaquille O'Neal playfully mocked Angel Reese during a reunion at LSU's college football game against Alabama on Saturday, November 7, 2026, in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

The two basketball stars, both former LSU athletes, were among several prominent guests attending the game alongside actor Kevin Costner, former gymnast Livvy Dunne and baseball pitcher Paul Skenes.

While Reese was filming O'Neal on the sidelines, the NBA legend made her signature "too small" hand gesture, a celebration that had recently become a sensitive topic following the Atlanta Dream's WNBA Finals defeat.

Reese had used the gesture to taunt Golden State Valkyries players, particularly center Aminata Gueye, during Atlanta's 97-71 victory in Game 3, which gave the Dream a 2-1 series lead.

However, Golden State recovered to win the championship in seven games. During the Valkyries' victory parade, former NBA player Festus Ezeli also mocked Reese by displaying a shirt featuring her celebration combined with a crying Michael Jordan meme.

When Shaq repeated the gesture, Reese appeared irritated and swatted toward him, while O'Neal laughed and walked away.

Despite the reaction, the two have a longstanding friendship and mentor relationship. O'Neal has supported Reese since her LSU days and helped bring her into the Reebok brand.

The encounter was widely interpreted as friendly teasing rather than a serious dispute. LSU ultimately lost the football game to Alabama 31-13.