Wait… did Angel Reese just say she should be paid like LeBron James?!
Yep, you heard it right — or at least that’s how the internet took it. The self-proclaimed “Bayou Barbie” and now WNBA rookie Angel Reese stirred up a storm this week after making some bold comments about player pay, endorsements, and her “value” in the league.

And while confidence is part of the game, fans weren’t exactly buying what she was selling.

Let’s break it down — and see if this was empowerment or just ego gone wild.

What Did Angel Reese Actually Say?

During a recent podcast appearance, Reese was asked about her transition into the WNBA, and whether she thought the league would “pay her what she’s worth.” Her response?

“I know my value. What I bring to the court and off the court — it’s a brand. I’m not saying I should get LeBron money… yet… but I’m not here to be underpaid or overlooked.”

Seems confident, right? But of course, social media did its thing — and by the next morning, headlines were flying:

“Angel Reese demands LeBron-level pay!”
“Rookie thinks she’s worth $50 million!”
“Delusional or driven?”

Whether she meant it literally or not, the vibe was set — and the internet was not feeling it.

 The Reality Check: WNBA vs NBA Money

Let’s do the math.

LeBron James: Over $47 million/year just in NBA salary — not including hundreds of millions in endorsements.

Angel Reese: Projected rookie salary of about $75K/year in the WNBA. (Yes, that’s three zeroes.)

Is it fair? Not really. Is it shocking? Nope — that’s been the WNBA pay issue for years.

Still, comparing a rookie — even a hyped-up, high-profile one — to a four-time NBA champion, 20-year vet, global icon like LeBron?

That’s gonna raise eyebrows.

Fan Reactions: Mixed… but Mostly Savage

Some fans applauded her confidence:

“Manifest it, sis! That’s how you change the system.”
“If you don’t bet on yourself, who will?”

But the overwhelming majority?
Yeah… they weren’t buying it.

“LeBron makes more in one quarter than Reese will in five years.”
“You gotta average more than 10 points before you talk GOAT money.”
“Caitlin Clark’s carrying the league, and she’s not even talking like this.”

Ouch.

What Angel Did Get Right

To be fair, Angel Reese isn’t wrong about this:
She does bring a lot of value — especially off the court. She’s marketable, charismatic, and already has multiple endorsement deals thanks to her massive social media following and NCAA success.

She understands something important:
In today’s sports world, your brand can be just as valuable as your stat line.

So while her take may have come off as a bit… inflated… it’s also part of a bigger truth:
WNBA players deserve more.

Final Word: Delusional or Just Dreaming Big?

Look — Angel Reese isn’t getting LeBron money. Not today. Not next year. Maybe not ever.
But should she be embarrassed for believing in her own worth?

Not really.

Was it a bit much to say out loud — and expect fans not to laugh?
Absolutely.

But love her or hate her, one thing’s for sure:
Angel Reese knows how to keep her name trending — and that alone?
Might just be worth something.