NaLyssa Smith Credits A’ja Wilson For Helping Her ‘Grow’ Her Game: ‘She’s Always In My Corner’
While celebrating WNBA All-Star Weekend in Chicago with Panini America, Las Vegas Aces forward NaLyssa Smith reflected on seeing herself on a trading card, how it feels to see fans collecting cards, and how A’ja Wilson’s mentorship has helped her embrace the Aces’ winning culture and grow her game.
During an exclusive chat with The Blast, Smith also shared her thoughts on Flavor Flav’s SHE Weekend and how he included the Aces, what she thought about LeBron James’ big move, and where her favorite spot is in Las Vegas when she’s not on the court.
The Aces forward joined Panini America at All-Star Weekend to meet fans, open packs, and sign Panini cards. According to Panini America, they are hosting NaLyssa Smith and other players and legends at WNBA Live in Chicago surrounding WNBA All-Star Weekend. “Panini’s activation will offer fans custom Panini WNBA digital trading cards, exclusive trading card packs, and surprise player meet-and-greets. Autographed memorabilia from Panini’s collection will also be on display for fans to see,” a Panini representative told The Blast.
Smith took some time out of her day during All-Star Weekend on Friday to sign Panini cards for fans. She said the best part is getting to meet everyone.
“I think it’s been [partnering with Panini] huge,” she told The Blast exclusively. “I love always getting to interact with fans, so having an opportunity to spread that joy and just have people come out and get their cards signed, I think it’s been huge.”
For Smith, being on a Panini trading card is a “childhood dream” fulfilled.
“Growing up, I think everybody had trading cards,” she said. “So just to see me on it, I think that’s huge.” She added that it’s always a great experience seeing fans have different trading cards.
When asked why fans should get her trading card, she shared, “I always say it’s one of one. I think I’m somebody that you’re not gonna find all the time. I appreciate the support, so buying my card helps me out too.”
Panini is the exclusive trading card partner of the WNBA. Learn more about Panini and find WNBA trading cards, including Instant Cards, on the website.
NaLyssa Smith Explains What Makes The Aces’ Locker Room Different
With each team in the WNBA having its own culture, Smith shared what makes the Aces different, and it’s all about the vibe and connection.
“I think it’s a family environment. I think sometimes you forget you’re at work just because it’s so comfortable for everyone,” she told The Blast. “I think it’s an easy place to be at, a winning culture, just everybody on the same page about one goal and that’s just to win. So I think it’s a good environment.”
Recently, the Aces were invited to take part in Flavor Flav’s SHE Weekend. Smith was there enjoying the celebration along with some of her teammates. During a pre-parade press conference with Flavor Flav, he raved about the Aces and told the media, “Aces covers all bases.” Smith said that being invited to participate just shows how much the game is growing.
“I think years ago you wouldn’t even have seen rappers really talking about the W,” she said. “So I think now it’s just something that’s growing and it’s super exciting to be a part of.”
How A’ja Wilson Helps Her Thrive With The Aces
3Smith told The Blast that she credits A’ja Wilson for helping her to “grow” her game.
“Since I got here, even before I got here, A’ja was always the first person to help me grow my game,” she said. “I think she’s always in my corner and always encouraging me, just to be the best version of myself. So, I’ll definitely say that’s somebody that I lean on a lot.”
When asked what part of her game she’s been working on this season, she said “staying consistent,” and “putting it all together.”
NaLyssa Smith On LeBron James Going To Philly
Conveniently before The Blast chatted with Smith, the news of LeBron James’ new team dropped, so we had the chance to see what she was thinking about it. While the news seemed to divide NBA fans — with half loving it and half hating it — many people, including Smith, didn’t see it coming.
“Philly was kind of random for me. That kind of came out of left field, but I mean, I think the players that he’s got around him, he’s definitely going to get his chip,” she said. “I think that’s exciting.”
When The Blast said we thought maybe he would go to Miami or Cleveland, Smith agreed that she was on that same page, too.
What The Aces Star Loves About Living In Sin City
3Living in Vegas during the WNBA season means dealing with some hot weather, but that’s not something Smith hates at all.
“My favorite part [about living in Vegas] would probably, it’s weird to say, but probably how hot it is,” she shared. “I think never having to come out in the cold weather and having to put on hoodies and all types of clothes, I think that’s my favorite part, and walking around in shorts and it’s summertime all the time.”
When discussing her favorite places to go in Vegas when she’s not on the court, Smith shared that she enjoys trying out all the great restaurants the city has to offer. Her favorite? LAVO in The Palazzo Tower at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. “That’s probably my favorite Italian restaurant right now, so that’s probably my number one.”
Up next for the Aces after All-Star Weekend, it’s right back to work! On Tuesday, July 28, they’ll face the Portland Fire at home and then on Thursday, July 30, the New York Liberty, also at home.
