Indiana Fever forward NaLyssa Smith knows how to keep the spotlight on her – whether it’s hyping sneakers or dropping cryptic posts just days before the WNBA expansion draft. In the latest episode of “What’s NaLyssa Thinking Now,” Smith gave Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball’s signature sneakers a glowing review, declaring his fourth collaboration with Puma, the MB.04s, had the “shoe game in a headlock.”
Yes, you read that right – in a headlock. Not a toe hold. Not a sneaker strangle. A full-on, WWE-style headlock. If shoes could cut promos, LaMelo’s MB.04 would probably be screaming, “I’m the cream of the crop, yeah!” in true Macho Man fashion.
Smith showcased her love for the kicks on Instagram, flaunting her pink-and-yellow “MB.04 1 LOVE” pair, which retails for $125 on Puma’s website. For anyone keeping score, that’s a lot less than the resale market for hyped sneakers but just pricey enough to remind you it’s Melo’s world, and we’re all just walking in it.
But wait—there’s more! The MB.04 lineup is expanding on Dec. 13 with the “Heem” colorway. Featuring a trippy lava-lamp design, these sneakers promise to be as bold as LaMelo’s passing. Will they also make you dribble better? No. Will they make you look better sitting courtside? Absolutely.
Drama in Indy: NaLyssa’s Cryptic Tweet Sparks Speculation
While Smith was busy hyping Melo’s kicks, she was also stirring the WNBA pot with a cryptic tweet just days before the league’s first expansion draft since 2008. With the Golden State Valkyries set to shake things up, the Fever are facing tough choices about who to protect.
Smith, however, seems to be sending a message to the universe—or maybe just to her team’s front office. Posting a blacked-out screen on X (formerly Twitter), she wrote, “Life is all about knowin yo worth, don’t stay nowhere u not wanted n appreciated.”
Shots fired? Maybe. A bit dramatic? Definitely. But hey, isn’t that what social media is for?
The Fever are expected to lock in stars like Aliyah Boston, Caitlin Clark, and Kelsey Mitchell, but Smith’s tweet has fans wondering if she might be left unprotected. Imagine losing a core player like Smith because of… feelings. Let’s hope the Fever management is playing chess, not checkers, here.
LaMelo Ball: Brilliant or Box-Score Guy?
Meanwhile, LaMelo Ball is making waves for reasons beyond his sneaker empire. After starting the NBA season on fire, averaging 31.1 points per game, the Hornets guard has been sidelined with a calf strain. It’s bad timing for a guy who’s been dogged by questions about his durability and playing style.
NBA analysts Bill Simmons and Ryen Russillo recently threw some shade on The Bill Simmons Podcast, calling LaMelo a “good stats, bad team guy.” Ouch. That’s like being the MVP of a pick-up game no one remembers.
Russillo didn’t hold back, saying, “He gets out there and does his own thing. I think it sucks to play with, I think it’s losing basketball.” Meanwhile, Simmons doubled down, questioning LaMelo’s leadership chops.
Sure, LaMelo’s numbers are flashy, but when the critics start calling you “a box-score guy,” it’s like being a YouTuber whose thumbnails are better than the content. You’ve got the look, but can you deliver?
What’s Next for NaLyssa and Melo?
As we await the WNBA expansion draft and LaMelo’s return, one thing is certain: the drama isn’t going anywhere. Whether it’s NaLyssa subtly calling out the Fever or Melo dominating the sneaker game while rehabbing his calf, both stars are keeping us entertained.
And isn’t that the real MVP move? Stay tuned, folks. The off-court action might just be better than the games.
