LeBron James has once again shown his unwavering support for Las Vegas Aces star A’ja Wilson after she made WNBA history. On Wednesday, Wilson surpassed Jewell Lloyd’s single-season scoring record, tallying 956 points in a spectacular season-defining performance against Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. The historic moment marked yet another milestone in Wilson’s already illustrious career, and it didn’t go unnoticed by the NBA legend.
Taking to social media, LeBron delivered a message of admiration for Wilson, praising her achievement. “STRAIGHT Buckets!!! CONGRATULATIONS SIS! Love to see it!!!” James wrote in response to Wilson’s celebratory post on X (formerly Twitter). His enthusiastic message is a testament to their longstanding relationship, which began during Wilson’s college years. Over the years, James has served as both a mentor and supporter for the WNBA star, consistently showing love for her accomplishments in the league.
STRAIGHT 🪣’s!!! CONGRATULATIONS SIS! Love to see it!!! 🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🫡🤎 https://t.co/iqKILkH2yv
— LeBron James (@KingJames) September 12, 2024
In fact, Wilson was sporting Nike LeBron 21 PEs during the game when she set the new scoring record. Her 27-point, 12-rebound performance also included two steals and three blocks, securing an 86-75 victory for the Aces. While she wasn’t particularly efficient, shooting 11 of 28 from the field, her relentless effort was enough to secure the win against a highly competitive Indiana Fever squad. The win moved the Aces to 23-13, placing them fourth in the standings with four games left in the regular season.
LeBron’s praise didn’t stop at a congratulatory tweet. The Los Angeles Lakers superstar has been a vocal advocate for Wilson, even going so far as to crown her the best player in the WNBA earlier this year. During Team USA’s Olympic preparations, James declared, “She’s the best player in the WNBA,” in an interview with reporters on July 7, emphasizing her dominance and MVP-caliber performances. This endorsement has stirred conversation among basketball fans and analysts alike, reigniting debates about who truly stands at the pinnacle of the women’s league.
Wilson’s resume certainly supports James’ assertion. In addition to her new single-season scoring record, she has already secured two MVP awards and was named MVP of the 2024 Summer Olympics with Team USA. Her ability to dominate both ends of the floor, with averages of 27.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 2.3 assists this season, makes her a force to be reckoned with on any given night.
However, James’ unambiguous statement hasn’t sat well with everyone, especially considering the wealth of talent currently in the WNBA. While Wilson’s dominance is undeniable, some argue that other players, such as Breanna Stewart and Jewell Lloyd, have also made strong cases for the “best player” title this season. Stewart, in particular, has had an equally stellar campaign, and her two-way play and versatility often draw comparisons to Wilson’s own game.
This controversy has not only added intrigue to Wilson’s run for her third MVP award but has also highlighted the ever-increasing competition in the WNBA, as players continue to elevate the league to new heights.
LeBron James didn’t stop at merely praising A’ja Wilson—he also backed the Las Vegas Aces to win their third consecutive championship. Despite their shaky season, James believes the Aces remain a contender for the title. “With A’ja playing at this level, how could they not be?” he commented.
Yet, even the most die-hard Aces supporters know that this season has been far from smooth. Although the team sits fourth in the standings, they have struggled to replicate their dominant form from previous seasons. The Aces have shown flashes of brilliance, but as the talent gap narrows in the WNBA, it has become increasingly difficult for any team, even a dynasty like Las Vegas, to maintain a sustained level of dominance. Teams like the New York Liberty and the Seattle Storm have emerged as serious contenders, with rosters designed to dethrone the reigning champs.
Nonetheless, with A’ja Wilsong leading the charge, the Aces’ championship hopes are far from dashed. Her playoff experience, combined with her ability to deliver in clutch moments, gives Las Vegas a distinct advantage when the postseason rolls around. While their regular-season inconsistencies may raise questions, the team’s championship pedigree and Wilson’s leadership cannot be discounted.
LeBron James’ assertion that A’ja Wilson is the best player in the WNBA is bound to stir strong opinions on both sides. There’s no denying Wilson’s impact on the court—she is a transcendent player whose ability to score, rebound, and defend has made her a perennial MVP candidate. Her ability to consistently deliver in big moments, as showcased by her Olympic gold medals and WNBA championships, speaks to her elite status.
However, the WNBA is more competitive than ever, and declaring any single player as the “best” is always a difficult proposition. Players like Breanna Stewart, Jewell Lloyd, and Sabrina Ionescu are making strong cases for themselves, and the level of talent across the board continues to rise. The debate over who holds the crown will likely continue as the league evolves and as stars like Wilson push the boundaries of what’s possible in women’s basketball.
That being said, it’s difficult to argue against the idea that A’ja Wilson is currently in the driver’s seat. Her scoring record, paired with her leadership on a potential championship team, makes her the favorite to once again claim the MVP award. LeBron James’ faith in her abilities only underscores how remarkable her season has been and how bright her future remains.
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