‘Talk about a crown that’s heavy’: A’ja Wilson reacts to being called the ‘LeBron James of the WNBA’

A’ja Wilson is often referred to as the face of the WNBA. The 28-year-old has already won three WNBA regular season MVP awards, one WNBA Finals MVP award and two Defensive Player of the Year awards. It’s no wonder a player of her caliber has been labeled the LeBron James of the WNBA. However, with such a high comparison also comes tremendous pressure.

During “The Job Interview” with the Wall Street Journal (WSJ. Style), Wilson was asked how he feels about the LeBron James comparisons. She talked about how being mentioned in the same breath as James means she’s carrying a huge weight on her shoulders. However, it does its best to live up to these expectations.

He highlighted how LBJ has carved out his own legacy without giving in to external pressures that forced him to do things a certain way.

For example, he was expected to spend his entire career with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but left for the Miami Heat in 2010 to live out his championship dreams. Wilson believes he adheres to a similar approach and has always done things his way. she said,

“Talk about a crown that’s heavy. I feel like that’s what it is, but I try to wear it gracefully. When it comes to LeBron and his career and his journey, he did things in his time, in the his way. People tried to mold him and try to put him in that box. And every year, Bron showed up and showed people why you’re never going to put him in a box that I feel like when people compare me to him, when it comes to our league, that’s what I see.”

Wilson then relayed that, like James, he also puts his heart into the game, but doesn’t forget to enjoy the journey at the same time. LBJ’s comparisons show that he is on the right track in his career.

“Not necessarily, the style of play, but more when people see me and see me play, they see someone who has put a lot of passion into the game, but also I never lose sight of the fun. Like, it’s a game at the end of the day. And then obviously if you’re being compared to LeBron James, you’re doing something right,” Wilson continued.

There is mutual respect between A’ja Wilson and LeBron James. The 4x NBA Finals MVP has often saluted the best women’s hooper in the world.

LeBron James calls out Wilson constantly

During the interview with WSJ. Style, Wilson recalled his first interaction with LeBron James. When she was doing a campaign for her shoe, she was part of a series that recognized professional women of color.

Wilson was also part of the series, and when James saw her, he recognized her and called her a “voiced nova.” This touching incident was just the beginning of James showering the 3x WNBA MVP with flowers.

In September, after dropping 41 points and 17 rebounds against the Phoenix Mercury, James tweeted: “TOO GOOD!!!! My sister better than yours! (laughing emojis).”

Meanwhile, A’ja Wilson has also resoundingly returned the love. He wears LeBron James’ signature Nike shoes and during the Paris Olympics, he debuted his Bron 22s.