Angel Reese, one of the most talked-about names in women’s basketball, has found herself in the center of yet another media firestorm—this time involving a surprising critic: NBA veteran and two-time champion Kevin Love. What started as a motivational social media post about Reese’s personal goals quickly snowballed into a full-blown controversy after Love responded with just four words that triggered an avalanche of commentary.
It began with Reese sharing an ambitious vision for her life and career. In a now-viral post, the Chicago Sky forward outlined her aspirations beyond basketball. “I’m going to be a basketball player, model, influencer, businesswoman, fashion girly, podcaster, unapologetic. Take care of my family and friends. Set records. Create history. Be the first. Set trends. Win at everything in life. My goal in life is to be a billionaire. And I will, without a doubt,” she wrote.
For many of her supporters, the post was an empowering declaration—a young woman confidently expressing her drive to excel in multiple fields and use her platform for good. For others, it raised questions about whether such an expansive pursuit of roles could realistically be sustained, especially for someone still early in their professional athletic career.
Kevin Love, known for both his basketball IQ and mental health advocacy, weighed in with a dry, understated response: “I’m going to take the under.” In sports betting language, “taking the under” typically means wagering against a projected outcome. The implication was that Love, while not directly mocking Reese, doubted her ability to achieve all of her stated goals simultaneously.
His comment instantly ignited backlash. Reese’s fans called it dismissive, condescending, and even sexist. Some accused Love of targeting a successful Black woman for daring to think big. Others questioned why a retired NBA player felt the need to comment at all on a WNBA athlete’s personal ambition.
But while the backlash was swift, others defended Love’s comment, noting that his critique wasn’t personal—it was practical. They pointed out that very few people in history, regardless of gender, have succeeded at simultaneously excelling across so many different industries while also performing at the highest level in professional sports. The odds are long not because of a lack of talent or potential, but because of the reality of time, focus, and energy.
Love himself has spoken at length in the past about the pressures of perfectionism in professional athletics and the mental strain that comes with trying to be everything to everyone. Some viewed his comment not as shade, but as a subtle warning—urging Reese to be mindful of how spreading herself too thin could hinder her growth, especially as a basketball player still working to establish her pro career.
Meanwhile, the discourse around Reese continues to swirl. Since her days at LSU, she has been a lightning rod for attention—both celebrated for her confidence and criticized for her outspokenness. Supporters admire her unfiltered voice and hustle. Detractors often question her on-court performance and decision-making. The line between constructive criticism and personal attack is constantly debated, and the situation with Love adds another layer to that ongoing conversation.
Reese’s WNBA debut season has been a mix of highlights and growing pains. She’s a dominant rebounder and brings intensity to the game, but her shooting percentage and offensive efficiency have drawn scrutiny. Critics say she still has a lot to develop. Supporters argue she’s being held to an unfair standard, especially given the early success of fellow rookie Caitlin Clark.
In this context, Love’s remark lands in a complicated space. On one hand, it challenges the prevailing social media culture that celebrates confidence without questioning feasibility. On the other hand, it reminds us that mentorship, even in the form of tough feedback, has a place in professional sports.
The deeper issue might not be about Kevin Love or Angel Reese at all. It’s about the growing tension between aspiration and expectation in the age of visibility. Athletes today are not just judged by their stats—they are scrutinized for their brands, their side hustles, their tweets, and their long-term visions. The desire to “have it all” is not unique to Reese. It’s a message marketed to young people everywhere.
But what happens when ambition runs into limits? When the time spent building a podcast empire cuts into training hours? When brand meetings come at the expense of film study? These are questions every modern athlete faces, and they’re not easy to answer.
It’s worth noting that many of the world’s most successful athletes didn’t “do it all” at once. Serena Williams didn’t launch her fashion brand until she had already secured her place in tennis history. LeBron James, often cited as the ultimate athlete-businessman, focused on basketball first—his media company and off-court ventures followed years after he had earned global respect for his game.
Reese, still in the early stages of her career, may indeed become a business mogul and fashion icon. But Love’s point, however blunt, seems to be that true greatness often requires total focus—at least for a while.
Still, the reaction to Love’s comment shows just how fiercely protective Reese’s supporters are. They don’t want her to be boxed in. They don’t want her dreams questioned. And they certainly don’t want male veterans from another league policing what a woman can or cannot aspire to.
But there’s a difference between policing ambition and offering perspective. Love didn’t tell her not to try. He didn’t say she lacked talent. He simply expressed skepticism that every item on a very long list would materialize at once.
And maybe that’s not hate. Maybe that’s honesty. The kind of honesty Reese—and all athletes—need if they truly want to defy the odds.
As the season continues, all eyes will be on how Reese responds—not on Twitter, but on the court. Will she use this moment as motivation to improve? Will she silence critics with performance? Or will she double down on building her brand in other industries?
Only time will tell. But if Kevin Love’s message was intended as a challenge, not an insult, then perhaps it’s one worth accepting. Because the athletes who make history are often the ones willing to hear hard truths—and use them to grow.
