A WNBA Hall of Famer slammed dunk on naysayers for taking women basketball professionals for granted. Lisa Leslie’s remarks rang bells at a time when some sports analysts are dismissing the female ballers as weak and wacky. She was hailed by fans for not only voicing her bold views, but also throwing her weight behind Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.

Former Los Angeles Sparks center has been off the court since her retirement in 2009, but has been hogging headlines for her coaching and other ventures. The 51-year-old’s latest statement is now making her a new fan favorite. 

What did Lisa Leslie say?

Lisa Leslie was invited to ‘The Daily Show’ by Leslie Jones where the latter asked her if she had any special message for men who underestimate women basketball players including her. As is common with basketball, the men’s NBA league is considered to be superior by some and has more audience than the women’s league. Leslie didn’t mince any words in slamming people doing such discrimination. 

“Shut the.. Oh! No. My answer is no. I think the game is amazing. If anybody has watched the WNBA, you already know, these ladies are playing at such a high level. It’s like blurred lines with the men and women. Yes, the dunk is amazing. Yes, more women have dunked. But I wouldn’t change anything about our game. The product is phenomenal. Even college women’s basketball is phenomenal. Can’t wait for Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark to get to the WNBA. Like, it’s just amazing. We’re doing a great job,” stated Leslie.

Reese and Clark had a standoff throughout the 2022-23 NCAA regular season. They were considered tough competitors and had a long-standing rivalry that came to its zenith during the Championship Finale. The match had a record-breaking 9.9 million viewers tuning in to watch the coveted clash.

The Angel Reese led LSU edged past the Hawkeyes by a respectable margin of 102-85. The 2023-24 season too kicked off on November 6 with the LSU as the favorites.

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After this season, Reese would be eligible to be drafted in the WNBA whereas Clark opted for the NCAA in her fourth year being a senior instead of declaring for the WNBA. Critics consider her the number one pick for the WNBA 2024 season. 

What is Lisa up to?

Meanwhile, the 2x WNBA Champion discussed a variety of topics including the NIL deals, the transformation of college basketball, and her venturing into real estate.

Lisa also spoke at length about the benefits of financial literacy for players. And it would be fit to say that the California-born is an icon for many.

With the current NCAA season, women’s basketball is soaring heights and perhaps both Reese and Clark have got the motivation from the WNBA legend that they needed to perform at their best.

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Hopefully, even this season the viewership numbers continue to break records and stun all.