The world of women’s basketball has long been abuzz with the meteoric rise of Angel Reese, the LSU star-turned-WNBA phenom whose dominating play and larger-than-life personality have captivated fans and critics alike.

Yet, beneath the surface of her seemingly unstoppable ascent lies a tangled web of resentment, envy, and outright disdain from some of the league’s most respected players. And no one knows this better than Stephen A. Smith, the fiery ESPN commentator notorious for speaking truth to power.

In a jaw-dropping segment on his show, Smith finally pulled back the curtain, revealing the shocking reasons why WNBA legends and current stars secretly can’t stand Angel Reese.

“Folks, let me tell you something,” Smith began, his voice dripping with his signature intensity. “I’ve been around this league long enough to know when someone’s got a target on their back. And honey, Angel Reese has more targets than a shooting range.” Smith’s bombshell wasn’t just about Reese’s polarizing personality or her trash-talking antics on the court.

No, it went far deeper. According to Smith’s insiders—sources he swore were “dead serious” and “willing to stake their careers on it”—Reese’s real sin isn’t her swagger or her stats; it’s her blatant disregard for the WNBA’s unwritten code of conduct.

“These players aren’t mad at Angel for being great,” Smith clarified. “They’re mad because she refuses to play by the rules.” Smith’s insiders revealed that Reese has consistently snubbed league-mandated community events, skipped mandatory media appearances, and worst of all, outright disrespected WNBA icons by declining their mentorship.

“Angel thinks she’s the queen just because she won a national championship and has a few flashy stats,” a current WNBA star allegedly quipped. “Newsflash, sweetie: the real work starts here, not in college.” The implication was clear: Reese’s perceived arrogance has ruffled feathers across the league.

The first casualty of Reese’s frosty relationships is none other than A’ja Wilson, the two-time WNBA MVP and revered leader of the Las Vegas Aces. Sources close to Wilson spilled that she was “disgusted” when Reese failed to show up at a high-profile WNBA advocacy event last summer.

“A’ja’s always been the first to support rookies, but Angel blew her off like she was nobody,” the insider revealed. Wilson herself remained tight-lipped, but her actions spoke volumes: she’s been noticeably absent from interviews praising Reese’s talents, a stark contrast to her glowing endorsements of stars like Caitlin Clark and Kamilla Cardoso.

But Wilson isn’t the only one. Smith dropped another bombshell: even Diana Taurasi, the legendary guard and Reese’s own role model, has “zero patience” for the young star’s antics. Taurasi, known for mentoring rising talents, reportedly reached out to Reese multiple times, only to be met with dismissive responses.

“Angel told her, ‘I don’t need advice from someone who’s not winning rings anymore,’” Smith alleged, quoting his sources. The room fell silent as Smith added, “That’s not just disrespect; that’s career suicide in the WNBA.” Taurasi’s camp has yet to comment, but insiders claim she’s “done” with Reese, refusing to even mention her name in interviews.

The crux of the issue, Smith argued, lies in the WNBA’s unique culture—a delicate ecosystem built on respect, mentorship, and collective growth. Unlike the NBA, where individualism often reigns supreme, the WNBA thrives on solidarity.

Players frequently attend each other’s games, support charity initiatives together, and most importantly, uplift rookies into the fold. Reese, however, seems to be opting out of this fraternity. “She’s treating the WNBA like it’s the G-League,” Smith fumed. “Thinks she can just waltz in, break records, and ignore the very women who paved the way for her millions.”

Reese’s defenders, of course, argue she’s simply being herself—unapologetically raw, unfiltered, and revolutionary. “Angel’s the antithesis of the ‘humble rookie,’” her agent, Shyra Ely, countered in a statement.

“She’s not here to make friends; she’s here to break barriers. If veterans can’t handle the heat, that’s not her problem.” Ely went on to accuse the league of enabling “cliquey politics,” where established stars dictate narratives and suppress fresh talent. “Angel won’t be silenced or coached into being likable. She’s the future, whether you like it or not.”

Yet, Smith’s segment painted a more nuanced picture. Behind the scenes, Reese’s behavior has sparked heated debates in team meetings, locker rooms, and league summits. “It’s not about being likable; it’s about being professional,” Sue Bird, the retired legend, weighed in on Twitter.

“You can’t just disrespect the legends who fought for your paycheck and then act surprised when they don’t roll out the red carpet.” Bird’s words struck a chord, with even fans divided: #TeamAngel trended alongside #RespectTheLegends.

The most shocking revelation, however, involved Reese’s strained relationship with none other than Breanna Stewart. The two-time champion and current Liberty star was reportedly furious when Reese skipped a high-profile charity basketball game Stewart organized to support mental health awareness.

“Bree reached out personally, and Angel ghosted her,” Smith disclosed. “Now, Bree’s telling everyone, ‘If you want to be a leader, you gotta learn to lead.’”

Stewart’s camp confirmed the incident but downplayed its significance: “Bree’s all about supporting talent, but you can’t force people to care.” The rift runs deeper than it seems: Stewart and Reese were once rumored to collaborate on a major endorsement deal, now seemingly dead in the water.

As the drama unfolds, fans are left wondering: Can Angel Reese recover from this public relations nightmare? Smith remains skeptical: “This ain’t college ball no more, Angel.

The WNBA isn’t about individual brilliance; it’s about building a legacy. And right now, your legacy is ‘entitled rookie.’” The clock is ticking. Reese’s next move—whether through a public apology, a heartfelt sit-down with WNBA icons, or a dramatic on-court turnaround—will determine if she becomes the league’s darling or its most infamous cautionary tale.

Meanwhile, Caitlin Clark, often compared to Reese for their shared 2023 draft hype, is quietly watching the storm. Insiders claim Clark’s team has been “counseling her on the dos and don’ts” of WNBA politics, ensuring she doesn’t fall into Reese’s traps. “Caitlin gets it,” a source spilled. “She shows up, she grinds, and she respects the process.

Mark my words, she’ll be the one Angel Reese is chasing in five years.” The Iowa sensation herself stayed diplomatically silent, but her actions scream volumes: attending every community event, praising veterans in interviews, and learning from legends like Sabrina Ionescu.

The WNBA now stands at a crossroads. Will it embrace Angel Reese’s revolutionary spirit, or will the league’s old guard rein her in? Smith closed his segment with a prophetic warning: “Angel can either become the face of this league or its biggest regret.

The choice is hers. But one thing’s for sure: the WNBA won’t tolerate disrespect forever.” As fans debate her fate, one undeniable truth remains: in the world’s most watched women’s league, greatness isn’t just about winning games—it’s about winning hearts.

In the end, Stephen A. Smith may have single-handedly rewritten the narrative around Angel Reese. Love her or hate her, Reese now faces a daunting challenge: prove the doubters wrong or risk being remembered as the WNBA’s most talented outcast.

The court of public opinion has convened, and the verdict is far from final. As Smith signed off, his final words lingered in the air: “The world is watching, Angel. Show us what you’re truly made of.” The ball is in her court, and the entire WNBA is holding its breath.