Paige Bueckers. She’s the projected number-one pick in the WNBA 2025 mock drafts. And as the 2025 W draft lottery commenced, the LA Sparks sent their representative to the lottery, hoping to land the number one pick. However, as Rickea Jackson made her way to the lottery, her looks certainly stole the spotlight from the anticipation surrounding Bueckers’ future.

“I am tonight’s good luck charm. Because I am a rookie and we deserve this. And we’ve been through a lot. So the basketball Gods better give this to us. My vibe for next year is just a fun, winning culture. Everything’s gonna be new: new coach, so I am just excited for it,” Jackson stated at the draft lottery which started on Sunday at at 5 p.m. ET.

Notably, Jackson was drafted by the LA Sparks as the fourth overall pick. She played 40 games for the Sparks this season, starting in 35 of them, and averaging 13.4 points with 3.9 rebounds per game with 34.7% threes. So while the Sparks did not qualify for the playoffs, she did show potential.

Moreover, the Los Angeles-based team ended at the last spot this season, winning just 8 and losing 32 of them. A year before, the Sparks were placed 9th with 17 wins and 23 losses. Considering 2 consecutive years of post-season absence, the Sparks were vying for the no.1 pick. But it was Dallas Wings’ to take.

Notably, Bueckers is projected to be the pick this season. She was also expected to be in the top three, had she declared for the draft this past season. But the Geno Auriemma-mentee decided to give her NCAA dream one last go.

As for the head coach, Curt Miller has mutually agreed to part ways with the team after 2 seasons following the bottom W ranking this season. Therefore, the dream duo would have been a sight to behold for fans. However, things didn’t go as expected, shattering hopes of numerous fans. The other two teams in the top four picks were the Chicago Sky at third and the Washington Mystics at 4th. As for the expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries would pick fifth in each round.

But before all this transpired, Jackson was able to distract the audience for a little while with her looks.

Fans laud Rickea Jackson’s look

Jackson arrived with an all-black suit — a black tee complimented by sparkling pants and blazer. Captivated, a fan penned, “Rickea Jackson with the vibes🔥🔥🔥”

The LA Sparks star has made quite the heads turn this season with her pregame looks — the blue and white checks two-piece along with a black mini jacket before a game against the Sky to speak of one. So Jackson’s fashion game is nothing new for her fans but they couldn’t help but be stunned once again.

“ATE DOWN! 🔥🔥🔥🔥,” one lauded in reference to a fashion trend while another wrote, “She’s gorgeoussssssssssssss.” 

But as Jackson believed, one even hoped for the 23-year-old to be the good luck charm. “My god she’s so so stunning. Come on RJ bring Los Angeles with some amazing luck.” But it just wasn’t their day. While Beuckers may not land with the Sparks, USC forward Kiki Iriafen is expected to be the pick for the team, having averaged 19.4 points and 11.0 rebounds per game as a junior, including a 41-point performance in the tournament.

But for the moment, it was all about Jackson. Sentiments around “Can’t go wrong with Rickea!!” and “Don’t play with her!!!” flooded the comments.