Flau’jae Johnson and Angel Reese may no longer be as close as they once were, but there’s no animosity between them. Johnson made it clear that she still supports Reese “1000 percent,” even though their bond has changed since Reese turned pro. Reese echoed the sentiment, stating on her podcast Unapologetically Angel that there were no hard feelings.
The Evolution of Relationships in Women’s Basketball
Friendships in sports often shift with time, and Reese’s move to the WNBA naturally altered her dynamic with Johnson. However, that hasn’t stopped Johnson from recognizing Reese’s impact on the game. When Complex ranked Reese as the No. 2 Most Influential Female Athlete, Johnson didn’t hesitate to acknowledge her former teammate’s growing legacy, pointing out how Reese is landing groundbreaking deals like her McDonald’s collaboration.
The Clark-Reese Rivalry Lives On
While the friendship between Reese and Johnson has changed, one rivalry that hasn’t lost steam is the ongoing debate between Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark. With LSU and Iowa splitting their last two NCAA matchups, Johnson has kept count—calling it 1-1 between her and Clark. She’s determined to settle the score when they meet again at the professional level.
Despite the fierce competition, Johnson had nothing but respect for Clark’s game, particularly highlighting her passing ability. She called Clark the toughest opponent she’s ever faced, proving that while rivalries fuel the sport, the best players recognize each other’s greatness.
LSU’s March Madness Outlook
For now, Johnson has her sights set on a more immediate challenge—leading LSU through March Madness. After injuries sidelined both her and Aneesah Morrow, the Tigers are finally at full strength heading into the tournament as a No. 3 seed. With both stars back on the court, LSU is primed to make a deep run.
As March Madness unfolds, fans will be watching closely—not just for LSU’s performance, but for how Johnson continues to carve out her own legacy in women’s basketball. The ties may have loosened between her and Reese, but the respect remains, and the rivalries—both past and future—are far from over.