Things have changed between LSU basketball stars Flau’Jae Johnson and Angel Reese since they shared the court in their triumphant 2023 NCAA Championship win over Caitlin Clark and the Iowa Hawkeyes. The two rising stars, once close teammates, now find themselves on different paths—both professionally and personally.
In an exclusive interview with The Post, Johnson acknowledged the shift in her relationship with Reese, agreeing with Reese’s recent remarks that they are no longer as close as they once were.
“Yeah, me and Angel, we aren’t as close as we used to be,” Johnson said when asked about their current dynamic. “But I still support her 1000 percent. I was proud of her, just being in the WNBA and breaking records.”
Johnson continued to express admiration for Reese’s accomplishments, especially in light of the skepticism Reese faced before entering the WNBA. “A lot of people said that she wouldn’t go to the WNBA and do all those things, and they kinda hated on her. But I knew she could because I’d see it every day in practice. I see the mentality that she has. So, it’s been dope to watch her.”
Reese, selected as the No. 7 overall pick by the Chicago Sky in the 2024 WNBA Draft, made an immediate impact in her rookie season, averaging a double-double before a wrist injury ended her campaign early. The injury occurred in a game against the Los Angeles Sparks on Sept. 6, and Reese recently underwent surgery to repair the damage. Despite their cooled friendship, Johnson had nothing but praise for Reese’s resilience.
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Johnson’s reflection on their evolving relationship comes after Reese opened up about the subject on her own podcast, Unapologetically Angel, last week. Reese shared that while the two are no longer best friends, there’s no animosity between them. “I still support Flau’jae. We aren’t as close as we used to be,” Reese said on the podcast. “There’s no hard feelings or anything, but we aren’t as close as we used to be. That’s why people always expect us to still be posting each other. But we aren’t as close. It happens. You don’t have the best relationships with everybody, and relationships don’t always continue. So, I wish her the best always.”
Johnson and Reese became household names during their time at LSU, capitalizing on their newfound fame in the era of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals. The NCAA’s 2021 ruling allowing athletes to profit from their personal brands helped elevate both players to new heights. Reese signed a major endorsement deal with Reebok last fall, while Johnson, also a rapper, secured a deal with JAY-Z’s Roc Nation in January.
The duo’s bond seemed unshakeable after their national championship win, where they made history as two of the biggest stars in women’s basketball. Johnson even came to Reese’s defense after the team’s emotional loss to Iowa in the 2024 Elite Eight, when Reese faced public criticism for her tearful reaction. Johnson’s unwavering support during that time underscored the strong connection they shared on and off the court.
During her interview with The Post, Johnson reflected on Reese’s influence during her transition from freshman to sophomore year. She credited Reese with helping her elevate her game, noting that her scoring average increased from 11.0 points per game as a freshman to 14.9 points per game last season. The impact of Reese’s leadership was undeniable, but with Reese now in the WNBA, Johnson is preparing to take on a bigger role at LSU.
As Johnson gears up for her junior season, she is poised to become one of the leading figures for the LSU program, stepping into the spotlight with Reese no longer by her side. “I’m ready for the bigger spotlight,” Johnson said, embracing the challenges and opportunities ahead.
Johnson and Reese’s relationship may have evolved, but both players continue to support each other from afar. Reese, who plans to return to LSU soon to cheer on her former teammates, remains connected to the program that catapulted her to stardom. Meanwhile, Johnson is focused on leading LSU as they aim for another championship run, further solidifying her place as one of the brightest young talents in women’s basketball.
