As the WNBA Finals of 2023 kick off with a match between the Las Vegas Aces and the New York Liberty this Sunday it seems that some star power from the NBA will be in attendance to show their support. LeBron James along with a few of his Los Angeles Lakers teammates are expected to be present at the game in Las Vegas particularly to cheer A’ja Wilson.
LeBron often fondly refers to Wilson as his “little sister.” Recently he even surprised her with a pair of LeBron 21 sneakers customized in the Aces black and gold colors as a gesture of appreciation for her accomplishments in the league.
“A’ja’s my little sister,” James said in a recent interview with SiriusXM’s Nick Hamilton. “I love what she’s been able to do, not only for the game of basketball itself, but for the WNBA. It’s only right that I was able to take care of her for another Finals appearance. So, best of luck to her, and hope she brings it home.”
LeBron and several Lakers are expected to be in attendance in the Aces vs. Liberty WNBA Finals Game 1 matchup in Las Vegas. The King calls A’ja Wilson his “little sister” and said “I hope she brings it home.”
Lakers face the Nets in Las Vegas on October 9.
(via @Andraya_Carter) pic.twitter.com/pyjMVgLSnF
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 6, 2023
It comes as no surprise that LeBron and his Lakers teammates are showing their support since the Aces were crowned champions last year and have made it back to the Finals with hopes of clinching another title. With Wilson’s skills, she has been honored with the WNBAs Defensive Player of the Year award for two consecutive years. This puts the Aces in a position to potentially secure back-to-back victories.
Can A’ja Wilson build a legacy like LeBron James in the WNBA?
Since being drafted as the first overall pick by the Las Vegas Aces in the 2018 WNBA draft A’ja Wilson has consistently showcased her abilities season after season. In her rookie year, she earned a spot at the 2018 WNBA All-Star Game and clinched the Rookie of the Year title.
Wilson has garnered accolades throughout her career in the WNBA including scoring a career-high of 39 points in 2019 and playing a role in helping her team make it to the playoffs. During the shortened 2020 season due to the pandemic, Wilson stepped up and guided her team to an outstanding record of 18-4.
A’ja Wilson is the 2023 @WNBA Defensive Player of the Year! 🏆
👏🏾 @_ajawilson22 pic.twitter.com/T2R7A37zlc
— NBA TV (@NBATV) September 22, 2023
In the 2022 season, she continued to add achievements under her belt. Wilson secured her Defensive Player of the Year award. Earned her second MVP title. Her unwavering dedication played a role in leading the Aces to their first WNBA championship.
Comparatively, LeBron James, with his impressive 28.9 points per game in the 2022-2023 NBA season, James is currently the leading scorer in NBA history. While it’s too soon to draw a direct comparison between the legacies of these two basketball players. A’ja Wilson’s future looks bright. With her age and exceptional talents, Wilson has the potential to create a legacy in the WNBA that’s similar to LeBron James.