“From Angel to a Victoria Secret ANGEL. I’m finally getting my wings 🪽” wrote Angel Reese in the post that announced her decision to make another mark outside the realm of basketball. 2 years after she made her debut as a swimsuit model for Sports Illustrated, and a few months after shooting her cameo appearance in Idris Elba’s recent movie, the Chicago Sky star recently became the first pro athlete to star in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

Not everybody gets to walk alongside supermodels like Bella and Gigi Hadid, and former “Angels”, including Adriana Lima, and exude confidence on the ramp. Therefore, although not a basketball-related achievement, WNBA legend Lisa Leslie still thought it was worth highlighting its importance.

The 2x WNBA champion recently made an appearance on former basketball player turned sports broadcaster Ros Gold-Onwude’s show ‘Good Fellow’. As the conversation progressed, the topic of discussion soon shifted to Angel Reese’s Victoria’s Secret debut. Lisa Leslie gave the young basketball player her flowers, stating that modeling is no easy task.

After all, one doesn’t just walk the ramp, but has to make herself connect with the crowd and the audience. Furthermore, she believed that you have your best body in your 20s, so it was a good thing that Angel Reese didn’t waste any time.

“So, I thought it was amazing. Um, I thought she had…. she looked beautiful. I thought she had the confidence that she needed. And it’s her first time,” said Leslie. “Like, people…. I don’t even read all of these comments. I just sent her a personal message and I was very…. I’m very proud of her. I’m happy that she’s the first WNBA player to do it because that’s going to open doors hopefully for more”.

Lisa Leslie herself did some modeling during her WNBA days. After leaving a mark in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics by helping Team USA win a Gold Medal, she began working with major fashion designers like Armani, Tommy Hilfiger, and Anne Klein. She continued the same even after retiring from the WNBA in 2009.

Over the years, Leslie was featured in Vogue and Newsweek. She made a cameo, as herself, in the Kevin Hart and Taraji P. Henson movie ‘Think Like A Man’ and in numerous other television shows and commercials. Therefore, given the experience she has in putting her modeling and acting skills in the public eye, Lisa Leslie is the perfect person to give a review on Angel Reese’s Victoria’s Secret debut.

As Lisa Leslie mentioned, it certainly wasn’t easy for Angel Reese to get the hang of modeling and ensure she made a good impression. The WNBA star hired a modeling coach to “perfect my walk.” Reese also reportedly did some film study to prepare. She told Vogue that she watched a tape of Tyra Banks, Naomi Campbell, and Adriana Lima. In the end, however, it was all worth it.

After all, as she revealed, “I have a video of me, when I was younger, dancing in Victoria’s Secret sweatpants and a hoodie. It’s a full circle moment for me.” Not everyone would have gotten to attend the show last year. She posted on her Instagram story that “I’m going to be a Victoria’s Secret model one day”, and then get their wings in the next show!

Lisa Leslie would have been quite confident that Angel Reese could pull it off. After all, her recent remarks weren’t the first time she complimented the star after she made a mark in the fashion world.

Lisa Leslie Sent Praise To Angel Reese After League Fits Honor

Angel Reese highlighted her fashion acumen long before becoming a Victoria’s Secret Model. From the fits she donned when attending NBA games to outfits like the leather pantsuit and brown corset top and miniskirt set she wore as tunnel fits, Reese leaves fans mesmerized before she even gets to play on the court.

Therefore, it wasn’t a surprise when LeagueFits named Angel Reese as the ‘2025 W LEAGUEFITS MVP’. In the caption added to the post, it said that “angel has been in takeover mode since forever, whatever you could think of, she’s been there and done that and now she adds a leaguefits mvp to the resume. the sky is the limit and she has potential to be a multi-time mvp winner solely off of the confidence, originality, and spice she exerts on a daily basis.”

Amongst the people who sent out their praise was no one other than Lisa Leslie. The Los Angeles Sparks legend took to the comments section and wrote, “It! @angelreese5 Representing for the Tall Barbies”. Leslie also added a couple of pink heart emojis to go with the supportive message.

From the way Lisa Leslie gives out support to Reese, it feels like she genuinely cares for her well-being and growth. When the former player appeared on Reese’s ‘Unapologetically Angel’ show, she gave her best to the player by saying, “Just the idea that you want to get better, like I love that. For me to hear from you, and see that you’re like, ‘Yes, I want you to work with me, I want you to help me, I want to get better’ — that’s what it’s about.”

This might not be the last we hear from Lisa Leslie about something Angel Reese does. Who knows, perhaps the legend’s support might inspire Reese to keep trying new things.