LeBron James reps WNBA ahead of league’s much-anticipated restart

LeBron James flexed his WNBA hoodie in the NBA bubble in support of the league’s July 25 return.

LeBron James may be getting ready for the NBA’s tip-off on July 30, but it looks like he’ll still be finding time to tune in to the WNBA’s season openers today. While the King didn’t commit to a specific team with his orange hoodie, the Los Angeles Sparks are a likely candidate for the L.A. Lakers star’s support when they take on the Phoenix Mercury later this afternoon.

James is one of many big names in the NBA to show support for the W ahead of the restart. Athletes across the leagued repped the signature hoodie, including Trae Young and Ja Morant. Fans also pointed out on twitter that Kobe Bryant, who died suddenly early this year, was also frequently seen sporting the orange sweatshirt.

James has been a strong supporter of the WNBA, tweeting about the league’s draft back in April and joining the players’ plan to honor Breonna Taylor, a victim of police brutality, before and after games this season. A player as well known as LeBron giving the WNBA exposure is invaluable, as the young league has struggled to gain equal marketing and coverage in sports media.

LeBron is watching the WNBA, and so should you.

Two of the most exciting teams in the league are kicking off the league’s restart today. The New York Liberty are debuting former Oregon stand-out Sabrina Ionescu and a massive rookie class against the seasoned stars of the Seattle Storm, including Sue Bird and Breanna Stewart. The Storm are the favorites to win, but no one knows what to expect from the Liberty, so an upset is completely possible.

After the league opener, James’s home team, the Los Angeles Sparks, will face off against the Phoenix Mercury in another duel of top talents. Diana Taurasi, the arguable GOAT of the women’s game, leads the Mercury against Candace Parker’s Sparks. Taurasi suffered a back injury last year that kept her out of all but six games, so Phoenix needs a big comeback from their veteran in order to take down the Sparks.

Rounding out the first day of the restart will be the Washington Mystics, reigning WNBA champs, against the Indiana Fever. The Mystics seem like an obvious choice to win, but their roster has been decimated in the offseason. Elena Delle Donne and LaToya Sanders are sitting out because of health concerns related to COVID-19, and Natasha Cloud is focusing her energy to social justice causes off the court. Still, the Fever will need a big improvement from last season to take Washington down.