How Lauren Betts Is Teaming Up With Angel Reese On The Hardwood This WNBA Season

Several colorways of Reese’s first shoe have been released since September, from purple to brown to green to blue; each carries a special meaning and was designed with a purpose.

“Reebok and I built something that’s true to who I am, and I hope it pushed others to stand in their power, too,” Reese shared. “At the end of the day, it’s built for basketball — made to move and perform at the highest level.”

Betts Was Drafted By The Washington Mystics During The 2026 WNBA Draft

Reebok

Before the official announcement of her Reebok partnership became public, Betts was selected by the Washington Mystics in the WNBA Draft. She was one of six UCLA players selected during the event.

“This season has been so special. I’ve enjoyed every second,” Betts said, according to USA Today. “I’m playing with my best friends, my sister. I’ve had the most amazing season, and I feel like you can just see all the positivity that I play with.”

The draft occurred just days after Betts won a national championship under head coach Cori Close. Betts finished her final collegiate season averaging 14.6 points per game, 7.8 rebounds, and 1.9 assists.

“My biggest mindset going into every single game is just rebound and play defense and the points will come,” she said on April 4. “I think my entire goal this entire season is just to do my job and protect the rim. … Just protect the rim, don’t let people get easy shots. If guards get beat, I’ll be there to help them.”

Angel Reese Will Have A Fresh Start This WNBA Season

USA Basketball

Regarding Reese, the 6’3″ superstar will have a fresh start in the league, given she was traded from the Chicago Sky to the Atlanta Dream in a stunning trade.

“This trade is designed to achieve roster balance and represents a great opportunity for all parties,” the Sky’s general manager said. “Angel has achieved many record-breaking milestones in her first two years in the WNBA and has been a competitive force for the Sky. We are thankful for her many important contributions to this league and this game, and we know she will continue to have a big impact on the court and beyond.”

The Dream’s general manager, Dan Padover, spoke highly of Reese in April 2026, saying acquiring the league’s leading rebounder was a “no-brainer.”

Atlanta Is The Place For Reese To Be

USA Basketball

Carmelo Anthony seemingly agrees with that stance, saying on his “7PM” podcast that Reese was “getting too big” for Chicago before saying playing for Atlanta was the right fit, according to The Blast.

“Her level of play is going to rise with the level of competition and what you surrounded with,” Anthony said. “If you’re surrounded with people who not thinking like you and don’t have the competitive nature you have, that sh-t can be draining. So, now you’re going to a team who has championsip aspirations.”

The How Lauren Betts Is Teaming Up With Angel Reese On The Hardwood This WNBA Season first appeared on The Blast