Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James is getting clowned by basketball fans who have accused him of trying to copy former Louisiana State University star Angel Reese.
The four-time NBA champion was getting some shots up before a crucial late-season fixture against his former team, the Cleveland Cavaliers, on Saturday. And the Lakers took to Twitter/X to post a video of him getting a workout in with trainer Phil Handy.
Everyone noticed the same thing about LBJ’s attire given that his shorts were rolled up pretty high up his thigh while he wore a sleeve on his left leg. Check it out below:
Getting shots up 🎯 pic.twitter.com/xqEHoBiALa
— Los Angeles Lakers (@Lakers) April 5, 2024
“Why is he dressed like @Reese10Angel,” one user asked.
“Angel Reese influence on the game will be remembered,” another wrote.
“Why is he cosplaying Angel Reese I’m crying look at those booty shorts,” one fan quipped.
You can see some more reactions to this right below:
LeAngel Reese
— Chef Murray (@keeeganmurray) April 6, 2024
LeBron James Is A Huge Fan Of Women’s Basketball
It’s no secret that LeBron James is a huge fan of the women’s game, so perhaps he was just trying to show Angel Reese some love.
“I don’t think there’s much difference between the men’s and women’s game when it comes to college basketball,” he told ESPN earlier this week. “I think the popularity comes in with the icons that they have in the women’s game. You look at Angel Reese, you look at JuJu [Watkins], you look at Caitlin Clark, you look at Paige [Bueckers].”
Meanwhile, Reese has announced that she will be entering the WNBA Draft. The 21-year-old, who led LSU to a national title last year, exited the NCAA Tournament at the Elite Eight stage this year and has since opted to go pro.
Reese reckons she’s achieved everything she set out to achieve in college basketball and is ready to start all over again in the WNBA.
How much money does Hailey Van Lith make in NIL? LSU point guard’s off field endorsements explored
Hailey Van Lith has emerged as one of the premier guards in women’s college basketball. The talented player transferred to LSU after starring at Louisville. Van Lith’s skills have also made her highly marketable. She is signed by Adidas on a lucrative sponsorship deal, a major brand in the sport looking to capitalize on her popularity.
Raking in the cash, Van Lith’s endorsement earnings are substantial. Her lucrative NIL deals with Adidas and other brands have made her one of the top earners in college basketball.
How much money does Hailey Van Lith make in NIL?
Hailey Van Lith has an On3 NIL Valuation of $565,000, ranking sixth in women’s college basketball. Through her lucrative Adidas deal and other endorsements, she earns a substantial income playing for LSU.
Van Lith’s NIL portfolio is stacked. In 2021, she was signed by Dick’s Sporting Goods, one of the largest sporting goods retailers, as an NIL trailblazer when the opportunities were just emerging.
Although now commonplace, NIL deals with luxury brands were rare when Van Lith partnered with streetwear label Billionaire Girls Club. For International Women’s Day 2021, she was featured in a collaboration between the brand and Overtime that included hoodies and crop tees.
Van Lith also has NIL deals with Tigers NIL Store, Invesco QQQ, 94 Feet of Game, Shaquille O’Neal Foundation and Sierato.
How has the move from Louisville to LSU boosted Hailey Van Lith’s profile?
Hailey Van Lith’s blockbuster transfer from Louisville to LSU last offseason catapulted her profile and marketability to new heights.
The high-profile move from the Atlantic Coast Conference to the talent-rich Southeastern Conference significantly expanded Van Lith’s reach and visibility, aligning her with the passionate LSU fan base. Her social media following grew exponentially in the wake of the announcement as excitement built around her arrival in Baton Rouge.
Now boasting over 1.1 million followers across Instagram, Twitter and TikTok, Van Lith has maximized her fame and earning potential since joining the Tigers. The transfer to a high-level SEC program has cemented her status as one of the most recognizable and commercially successful athletes in women’s college basketball.
Van Lith’s transition to LSU has also been seamless thanks to the program’s strong support for women’s basketball and her relationship with coach Kim Mulkey. She has quickly become a cornerstone for the Tigers due to LSU’s investment in creating a contender and Mulkey’s proven ability to maximize talent.