Former Lakers Legend Signs Current LSU Star Angel Reese to Massive Reebok Deal
As Jay-Z once so poignantly said, "I'm not a businessman, I'm a business... man."
The same sentiment can be applied to former Los Angeles Lakers great Shaquille O'Neal. Dr. O'Neal -- as he refers to himself after earning a doctorate degree from Barry University in 2012 -- is a true entrepreneur.
Whether it's functioning as a basketball analyst on TV, performing as a DJ around the world, operating more than a handful of various restaurant chains across the country, cultivating his own clothing brand, or even acting in various commercials, the man is beyond successful. In fact, when paired with his good nature and immense track record of charity work, few have a resume as impressive as O'Neal's.
In the latest installment of Shaq's colorful life, he was recently named as the President of Reebok Basketball. Using his cachet -- along with his connections to LSU -- O'Neal was able to broker a groundbreaking NIL deal between Reebok and current LSU star player Angel Reese.
Reese is coming off a fantastic year. She not only helped the LSU Tigers win a National Championship but the All-American forward also was named as the Tournament's Most Outstanding Player. Reese was the first player O'Neal has signed since taking over the post as President.
On the company website, the Angel Reese collection is currently available -- where people can purchase shirts, shoes, track pants, jackets, and all sorts of things. The website also included an interview with Reese. She made this comment specifically about her relationship with Shaq:
"Well, it started off by talking to Shaq and understanding the values that align with the brand. As a former athlete, now that he's just been announced as their President of Basketball it is inspirational to me, just being able to see an athlete or former athlete shift from not just being an athlete, but being the President of the brand is something that's important. I would love to do that one day.
It feels great, Shaq is so much fun! I love him, and he's been super supportive of me and everything I've done. Even if I didn't work with Reebok he'd still support me, and our relationship has always been amazing. Everything is just so much fun, and what player wouldn't want feedback from one of the best bigs of all time!?"
- Angel Reese on Shaquille O'Neal via Reebook Basketball
Naturally, the two share commonalities as high-level athletes both playing the same sport, as well as hailing from the same university.
Interestingly enough, Shaq is not the only megastar Reese will be collaborating with. It was also reported that fellow NBA great Allen Iverson was brought on to be the VP of Reebok Basketball.
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