Angel Reese gets honest about 'benefits of celebrity life' in candid confession

Angel Reese is always in the spotlight as one of the biggest stars in the WNBA. Unfortunately for Reese, it also puts her under a microscope. Still, though, Reese has done right by her name in her first year as a professional basketball player.

During a historic rookie season, Reese used her stardom to develop numerous endorsement and marketing opportunities, along with her signature podcast, "Unapologetically Angel." The WNBA All-Star is also using her platform to discuss her story and what it's like being in a constant spotlight.

On Wednesday afternoon, Reese spoke with Complex, discussing her fame on and off the basketball court. The Chicago Sky phenom was asked how she's been able to embrace her stardom aside from basketball. She said:

"Do I like (fame)? Sometimes. I like the benefits that come with it. Being able to be prioritized, going to the front of the line, being able to not have to wait for stuff. That's the great thing."

Reese also touched on the downside of fame and how one slight misstep could affect her mentally and emotionally:

"I think sometimes, having to wake up every single day and understand I have to keep a smile on my face. I can't sit here and tell somebody, 'No, I can't take a picture with them.' I don't want to ruin somebody's day. I know how many people are inspired by me.

"I try to get up every single day and be positive because there are a lot of people that don't have the same opportunities as me."

Angel Reese discusses rivalry with Caitlin Clark

One of the biggest stories throughout the WNBA season was the alleged personal rivalry between Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese. Clark and Reese had numerous run-ins at the collegiate level that resulted in media frenzies despite both players assuring it was based strictly on competitiveness and the desire to win.

While the media tried to amplify the "rivalry," both Clark and Reese downplayed the situation and offered support for one another during the WNBA season. During her interview with Complex, Angel Reese touched on the state of her rivalry with the WNBA Rookie of the Year.

"I think it's just competition. It's been a competition since college. I've been playing against Caitlin since we were in 8th or 9th grade," Reese said.

"People don't know the legacy of us being able to play against each other for a really long time. Obviously, social media is going to put two women against each other."

Angel Reese also faced some criticism from social media throughout her rookie season but continued to silence the doubters, averaging 13.6 points, 13.1 rebounds and 1.9 assists, breaking the single-season rebounding record along with numerous WNBA rookie records.