Angel Reese’s sophomore season has turned into a showcase of elite production and star potential. From signature sneaker deals to becoming the face of NBA 2K26, the Chicago Sky forward is building a brand that extends far beyond basketball.
But when a Lakers legend compared her style to Hall of Famer James Worthy, Reese’s response revealed exactly why she’s becoming one of the WNBA’s most compelling young stars.
How Did Angel Reese React to Being Compared to James Worthy?
The conversation started after the Sky’s 91-85 victory over the New York Liberty, when reporter Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson asked Reese about being compared to Worthy, the three-time NBA champion who helped define the Lakers’ “Showtime” era in the 1980s.
Reese admitted the comparison caught her off guard, but showed the curiosity that drives great players.
“I haven’t watched much of his game, but now that I know I’ll go back and watch some clips of him,” Reese said.
Rather than getting caught up in the flattery, the 23-year-old kept the focus on her own development and process.
“I just try to perfect my own craft,” she told Robinson.
Her response grew more thoughtful as she addressed the outside pressure and expectations that come with being a rising star:
“I think everybody has their own pace. Everybody wants me to do everything on their time and I do things at my own time and I don’t let anybody speed me up. I continue to work. I know I put my head down and work. I mean nobody’s giving me jump shots. It’s not like I’m passing up jump shots.”
“Everybody’s guarding me up so I’m going to blow by them every chance that they get. The shots that I’ve taken this year when they have backed off me I have taken the shot either made it or I missed it. So I know I’m just continuing to get better and just continue to build confidence.”
Angel Reese is already a double-double machine — but which NBA legend does her game resemble?
I say @JamesWorthy42! Lakers HOF’er @ShowtimeCooper sees it too! @Reese10Angel tells me she’ll be watching game tape of the Lakers Hall of Famer.
🔗 My Latest ➡️… pic.twitter.com/tmiM2jBYxc
— 👑 Brandon “Scoop B” Robinson (@ScoopB) August 22, 2025
That balance of humility and confidence has become Reese’s calling card throughout her young career. She didn’t dismiss the comparison to one of basketball’s greats, but she also didn’t let it shift her focus from the daily work of improvement.
The connection to Worthy isn’t just media speculation. Lakers legend Michael Cooper, who played alongside Worthy during those championship years, was the first to make the comparison. “I would say that without the dunks,” Cooper explained. “She can get to the basket; she can get flamboyant about it.”
Worthy himself later endorsed the comparison, telling Robinson he respected Reese’s game and looked forward to watching her career develop.
What Records Is Reese Chasing With Her Double-Double Dominance?
Beyond the comparisons and praise, Reese’s production tells the story of a player operating at an elite level. Her consistency has earned her the nickname “double-double machine” for good reason.
Against the Connecticut Sun, Reese posted 11 points, 11 rebounds, and five assists in 31 minutes of action. That performance marked her 45th career double-double, tying Tina Charles for the most in a player’s first two WNBA seasons.
The game also gave Reese her 19th double-double of the 2025 campaign, pulling her even with Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson for the league lead. That’s rarified air for any player, let alone someone who was drafted just over a year ago with the seventh overall pick.
🚨 HISTORY IN CHICAGO 🚨
With this bucket, Angel Reese notches her 45th career double-double — tying Tina Charles (2010–11) for the most ever across a player’s first two WNBA seasons.
It’s her 19th of the season, tying Alyssa Thomas and A’ja Wilson for the league lead. Charles… pic.twitter.com/TZf1Q3MZAX
— WNBA (@WNBA) August 23, 2025
Reese’s rebounding numbers particularly stand out. She leads the WNBA with 12.2 rebounds per game, showcasing the relentless motor and positioning that made her a star at LSU. Her ability to impact winning through hustle plays, second-chance opportunities, and defensive rebounding has become the foundation of her professional game.
However, individual excellence hasn’t translated to team success for Chicago. The Sky’s impressive victory over the powerhouse Liberty was quickly followed by their loss to Connecticut, marking the eighth defeat in their last 10 games. The inconsistency has plagued Chicago throughout the season, despite Reese’s historic production.
Still, Reese’s trajectory remains upward. Her improving offensive game, combined with her established rebounding dominance and growing confidence, validates every comparison to basketball legends.