WNBA Champion Lisa Leslie 'Positive' She Can Fix Angel Reese's Layup Problem

WNBA champion Lisa Leslie recently told Angel Reese that she was certain she could fix the Chicago Sky rookie's layup issue before going into her second year in the league.

During a new episode of her podcast, "Unapologetically Angel," Leslie told Angel Reese that she was excited to get into the gym with her to work on improving her court skills ahead of her sophomore season.

Leslie isn't the first WNBA player to make an appearance on Reese's wildly popular podcast. In addition to the two-time champion, Reese has also been joined by legends like Sheryl Swoopes and Skylar Diggins-Smith.

During their conversations, Reese always asks her guests for advice that would help improve her game before her second year.

After asking Leslie, the former Los Angeles Sparks player told the Bayou Barbie that fixing how she plays in the paint should be her top priority.

"The biggest advice I have for you is gonna be how you shoot your layups, period," Leslie told Reese. "We're gonna fix that. That's fixable for you."

Leslie also made sure to give Reese her flowers, acknowledging that the 22-year-old's overall skills have improved since joining the new 3x3 Unrivaled league.

"I love the fact that you're putting so much pressure on them defensively and just the idea that you want to get better," the sports commentator said. "The fact that you already have that attitude, you're going to get better, and I can help you get better. I'm positive."

According to ESPN, Reese finished her rookie season averaging 13.6 points and 13.1 rebounds per game.

Her shooting percentage was 44.5 percent for the year on shots less than five feet away and 42.4 percent on layups.

The Chicago Sky baller's averages weren't impressive to some watchers, and she's clapped back at the feedback she's received about her skills on social media before.

In a heated response to a user who poked fun at her abilities, Reese reminded them that despite her layup percentage, she was selected as an all-star, and her rookie season was the "worst you’ll ever see me." 

Reese also had several accomplishments during the 2024 season to be proud of, including leading the league in rebounds and setting the record for most consecutive double-doubles with 15.

Her season was cut short in September 2024 when she injured her wrist against the Sparks and missed six weeks of action.

"Basically, the doctors told me that I could either not get surgery or have surgery. The risk of not having surgery, I could literally have arthritis at 22 years old; that wasn't an option," she said. "The bone could literally crack and completely shatter. Right now, it's a hairline."

After Reese discovered she'd have to miss the end of her rookie season, the basketball player, also known as the Bayou Barbie, addressed the unexpected setback with an emotional Instagram post.

"What a year. I never would have imagined the last bucket of my rookie season would be a [three pointer], but maybe that was God saying give them a taste of what they will be seeing more of in Year 2 lol," Reese wrote in her Instagram caption.

She went on to say that after enduring the negative publicity and pushback from critics, she proved that "I belong in this league even when no one else believed."

"All I ever wanted was to come into the [WNBA] and make an impact. I can confidently say I have done that and will strive to keep doing so," she wrote.

During Reese's podcast episode with Leslie, the two basketball players also discussed Reese's new McDonald's collaboration, which sparked a Super Bowl commercial featuring the two of them alongside Breanna Stewart and rapper Latto.

The commercial promotes the "Angel Reese Special," a quarter-pounder burger with barbecue sauce and bacon.

The video is reminiscent of the company's nostalgic basketball commercials, which feature NBA stars like Michael Jordan and Larry Bird.

Reese posted about the special moment on social media, saying she was grateful that she could include all of her favorite girlfriends in the epic production.

"Put everybody on," she wrote online before saying she had a say in hand-selecting "all of my [favorites]."

Reese's partnership with McDonald's is historic. It marks the first time the fast-food chain has launched a meal collaboration with a female athlete.

The meal, which also includes French fries and a Hi-C Lavaburst, is inspired by Reese's style on and off the court.

"I hope the Angel Reese Special inspires young athletes everywhere to never give up on pursuing their dreams," the LSU alum said of her recent business deal.

In addition to her partnership with the Golden Arches, Reese has also secured lucrative collaborations with global brands, including Reebok, Cash App, Beats by Dre, and Reese's.