← Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird
Bird's Eye View with Sue Bird
Lauren Betts on Rookie Year Jitters, Unlearning UCLA Habits, and Getting Her Bag
00:59:57
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- [00:01]
Sue Bird
This episode is brought to you by. Prime Obsession is in session. And this summer, Prime Originals have everything you want. Steamy romances, irresistible love stories, and the book to screen favorites you've already read twice off campus. Elle every year. After the Love hypothesis, Sterling point and more slow burns, second chances, chemistry you can feel through the screen. Your next obsession is waiting. Watch only on Prime Experience, a membership that backs what you're building with American Express Business Platinum. Get 2 times Membership Rewards points per dollar on eligible purchases in key business categories, as well as on each eligible purchase of $5,000 or more on up to $2 million in eligible purchases per calendar year. American Express Business Platinum. There's nothing like it. Terms apply. Learn more@americanexpress.com Business Platinum do you feel like you guys have, like, good vibes? You're all getting along, like the chemistry is legit?
- [01:05]
Lauren Betts
Oh, yeah. We're called the Young Host. The Young.
- [01:08]
Sue Bird
I'm sorry, the young. What? Young host.
- [01:10]
Lauren Betts
The Young Host. We're the Young.
- [01:12]
Sue Bird
Can you spell? Hey, everybody. Welcome back to Bird's Eye View. Today's guest is Lauren Betts, who led UCLA to its first ever national championship in 2026. It just happened. She earned the tournament's most outstanding player honors. She was also named the Big Ten's player of the year and defensive player of the year, giving Asia Wilson. That's the first time that's happened in the conference. Like I said, giving Asia Wilson. Despite this historic ending to her collegiate career, Lauren actually had a rocky start to it. She went to Stanford. At first, she was the number one recruit in the country, but it was a che challenging freshman year that led to her transferring to UCLA under Corey Close, who immediately integrated her as the starting center. And during her sophomore year, she led UCLA in both scoring and rebounding, and her field goal percentage ranked third in the ncaa. Now she's playing for the Washington Mystics, who chose her fourth overall in the 2026 draft. Standing at 6ft 7 inches, Lauren Betts can score over whoever is guarding her. And she can also protect the rim. And she's already proven to be a strong presence on the Mystics. Before we dive into the interview, you know what time it is? Time for Sue's View. Okay, I got a couple topics that I'm gonna cover this week for Sue's View. First up, we're gonna start with Dallas because the Wings have responded. You would have to be living under a rock to not have seen Jose Fernandez publicly call his team out. It was a huge, long quote. So go look. It up. But the gist was, and I quote, there's selfishness in this locker room. And I'll be honest, that could have gone a variety of ways. When a coach speaks publicly, it can hit, it can miss. This one, to his credit, hit. Because the Wings, like I said, have really responded. They've answered with two wins, but it's really how they've done it. The first one, ironically, given our guest, was a blowout of the Mystics. They beat them 92 to 69. They literally set highs, season highs in assists, bench points, steals, and offensive rebounds. Those are all team stats and all, you know, from a player standpoint, a direct rebuttal. A direct rebuttal to their coach. Five players were in double figures, but more importantly, a season high 30 assists on 33 made baskets. And by the way, that's the type of rebuttal that Coach Fernandez is probably loving. Paige got a little bit of a in there after the game. She was quoted saying, we played selfless tonight. That was kind of funny. Az Fudd, the number one pick who hasn't started a game yet, a lot of conversation around that, came off the bench for a career high 24 minutes and a career high 12 points. She's just getting going. So like I said, this could have been hit or miss, but the players have seemingly backed Jose. Like, they're hype about it. Isiah James even said, quote, he's a wonderful coach. He pushes us every day. He just wants us to be great players. The locker room wasn't fractured. It was activated. I love that word. Two days later, they go on the road. They play Chicago. Now, Chicago is a team that was kind of finding themselves in, like, a really wonderful way. A lot of great vets, they were coming together. Sadly, they were hit by injury so very quickly. Just want to send, like, my best wishes to Rekia Jackson, who tore acl. She's out for the season. I've also turned my acl. She's now part of a special club. But it is such a bummer because it is such a long rehab. And of course it means she won't be with the sky for the rest of the year. But Chicago's still, like, not a team you can mess around with. And the Wings did not. They went on the road. They got the win. Jessica shepherd recorded the first triple double of the WNBA season with 18 points, 12 assists and 10 rebounds. Paige had 24. AZ had 12 again. I think the best part was actually when Chicago cut the lead to two with, like two minutes left. And the old Reliable vet Arike and Gumbawale hit back to back threes and that basically put the game away. Um, you know, I don't know that this is a team that would have closed this. They definitely weren't going close this game last year. I don't even think they were going to close it a week ago. That's kind of how it went for them when they lost to Minnesota, when they lost to Atlanta, big leads lost the lead, couldn't close the game. But I think there was actually another X factor that nobody really saw. Leigh Rue, who's 6 foot 7, she came off the bench. What I love about this was not only did she have a great game, like from a statistical standpoint, they're playing against a team in Chicago that has Camila Cardozo and for Dallas, Lee is going to have her moments and her spots where she's going to be super valuable. I think she's valuable in general, but in this game, she finished with a plus 18 in 19 minutes and really changed things. And Coach Fernandez said the same. Even Enrique after the game was just like, it's actually a quote. We didn't want to come in after that great game against Washington and take a step back. And I think that's, that's really saying something. This is a team that is finding themselves. Sometimes it's two steps forward, one step back. They seemingly are taking those steps forward because the ball was moving, the bench showed up. The fourth quarter, they held it down. They're now three two. So yeah, maybe their coach challenged them is exactly what they needed. Last but not least, the Toronto tempo. Guys, guys. They're kind of doing their thing. Took them a second to get their first win, but they got it. They got it. So both Toronto and Portland now have as expansion teams, their very first win, but it really goes beyond that. They're 3:2. It starts with Sandy, a great hire, somebody that has obviously had success in this league. But I think it even, you know, kind of trickles into Sandy's relationship with Monica, the gm and kind of what they were trying to do when they formed this roster. I think they did a great job by drafting Kiki, who's been super steady, just continuing to get better. She's actually had to pick up some of the point guard duties and has done really well with that. But like I said, it's a combination of like the vets they were able to get, and I'll get to some of those in a second. Building culture and letting the roster kind of find itself. It seems like, it was a roster construction philosophy that prioritized chemistry, like, just as much as talent. And you're really seeing it. They've got a great kind of, like, cast of international players. And what you know about international players is they just know how to play the game. They just know how to play. It's how they're taught over there, obviously. Not that Americans can't, but they know how to be supplemental pieces to great players. And that kind of takes me to the greatness that we're seeing right now in Marina Mabry and Brittany Sykes. They are just on an absolute tear. Of course, it's early, but in five games, Marina is averaging 24.3 points, four rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.7 steals. She had 30 in their last game out against Phoenix, which was a huge win on the road after they had just beaten LA on the road a couple game or a game before that. Then you've got Brittany Sykes, 24.3 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4 assists, 2.7 steals. She had 38 in that win against LA, and then 31 against Phoenix. And there's like, some stat I read where the two of them, you know, Marina having 30, Sykes having 31, combined, 61. It's like the first time two players have scored that much in a franchise's first year. I love stats like that. I just. I kind of find them to be funny, if I'm being honest. But anyways, so pretty cool. But they got me thinking, right? Like, watching them play, watching them play together, obviously they've proven. And I'm just gonna use these last two games. So you had their game against Phoenix where they Both had over 30. Like, pick your poison. Who do you. When they're both going off, what do you do? But then you had a game like the one before that against la, where Brittney Sykes, AKA Slim. So if I call her Slim, that's who I'm talking about. Where Slim had 38 and Marina only had 14. And I guarantee you there's gonna be a game where that flip flops as well. And so it just got me thinking, like, when have we ever seen, like, a duo with that capability, right? Where you're approaching the game as the opposing team and you're thinking to yourself, like, how am I gonna scout this, right? Like. Like I said, pick your poison. But if you focus too much on this one, then this one's gonna go off, and you focus too much on that one, then that one's gonna go off. And it. And very quickly, I knew exactly who they reminded me of. It's not like tit for tat. I'm not comparing them as players because the skill sets are different. I think the strengths and the weaknesses are different, but just that, oh, shit, I gotta guard these two players tonight. And these two players can win a game no matter what. First two I thought of Diana Taurasi and Cappy Pondexter. And this is where I'm going to introduce yet another new segment to the show. This one's gonna be called the Archives, where I just, you know, maybe it's a comparison, maybe it's a story time, maybe it's a history lesson. It can be whatever, but it is the Archives and it is based on my experience, my 20 years in the WNBA. So like I said, for this one, we're going Dee and Cappy and I'm gonna read some combined stats to give you an idea of what I'm talking about. Okay. When Dee and Cappy first teamed up in 2006, so that's Dee's probably third year, Cappy's first year. First year together, they averaged 44.8 points per game, 6.9 rebounds, 7.2 assists, 2.4 steals combined. Okay, right now, Marina Mabry and Brittany Sykes combined are averaging 48.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, 7.3 assists, 4.5 steals. Now, quick note, Dee and Cappy did that over a season. Phoenix went 18 and 16 that year. They actually didn't make the playoffs, but they were above.500. And like I said earlier, obviously Toronto's only five games in, but I don't know, I don't know. They're kind of giving Dee and Cappy to me. So. Yeah, those are the first two I thought of. I just want to share those thoughts. And that's it for Sue's view. Let's get to the interview.
- [11:33]
Lauren Betts
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- [11:49]
Sue Bird
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- [12:16]
Lauren Betts
You don't wash your jersey during a win streak. You don't switch seats when your team's up big, and you definitely don't shave during the playoffs. When things are working, you don't change them. That's why when you drink Jagermeister, you drink it ice cold. Anything else, well, that'd just be bad luck. Drink it cold or don't drink it at all. Jagermeister. Damn, that's cold. Drink responsibly. Jagermeister Liqueur, 35% alcohol by volume. Imported by Mast. Jagermeister U.S. white Plains, New York.
- [12:47]
Sue Bird
I saw your TikTok. I'm not even on TikTok. And I saw your TikTok with Cody McMahon singing. Is that just. Was that a post game, like, serenade or what was going on there?
- [12:58]
Lauren Betts
This is part of the problem. People think it was post game. That was posted before the game started. And it's like, was she, like, singing that song because you guys were, like, sad that you lost? I was like, no. Like, that happened before the game.
- [13:12]
Sue Bird
I mean, her pipes are questionable at best.
- [13:16]
Lauren Betts
No, she actually sounded, like, pretty good. But, like, the thing is, she's been singing for so long before that. So, like, Mick telling her to shut up was, like, really warranted. Like. Yeah, but it was hilarious.
- [13:28]
Sue Bird
But it does seem like you guys are, like. Do you feel like you guys have, like, good vibes? You're all getting along? Like, the chemistry is legit?
- [13:35]
Lauren Betts
Oh, yeah. We're called the Young Hoes. The Young.
- [13:38]
Sue Bird
I'm sorry, the Young what? Young Hoes.
- [13:40]
Lauren Betts
The Young Hoes were the.
- [13:42]
Sue Bird
Can you spell that?
- [13:44]
Lauren Betts
Young. H, O, S. We are the Young Hoas. And because we are the youngest team in the W. Yeah, you are. It is great vibes. Like, we genuinely do have really good chemistry. And, like, it's always a good time with the girls, as you can kind of tell. But, yeah, I love them all. They're great.
- [14:01]
Sue Bird
Wow. Dare I ask why? Why? What happened to Young and Turnt? We went from young and turned to Young Hoes. What's going on in D.C. young and
- [14:10]
Lauren Betts
turnturn was, like, not enough for us, so we switched.
- [14:13]
Sue Bird
Take it at another place. Take it another place.
- [14:15]
Lauren Betts
Exactly.
- [14:16]
Sue Bird
Oh, my God. Well, it seems like everywhere you go, you're on teams. Good vibes. That's exactly what it was like for you in college also. So I'm gonna start there. I'm gonna take you back, like, five seconds to the national championship game. But seriously, you guys, I feel like you had such a great season. It all kind of culminated in this one Moment. So what was that moment like, when, you know, the classic final buzzer goes off, you've beaten South Carolina, the confetti is falling. Take me through that moment.
- [14:46]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, I mean, I think I was, like, in full shock. Like, I don't think you can really, like, describe just, like, how amazing it feels in the moment. And, like, it was just so special because all of us were, like. Some of us were on the bench, and I just remember, like, looking around
- [15:02]
Sue Bird
and then, like, that's a flex, by the way.
- [15:04]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, yeah, we were.
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Sue Bird
That's a subtle.
- [15:06]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, yeah, we were. Yeah, we got to be on the bench a little bit early, but I was. You know, I look behind me and, like, I see my parents, and my dad is, like, damn near in tears, and he, like, never gets, like, emotional. And then my mom is crying, of course, and it was just like. Just pure, like, happiness. And then to have my sister next to me was just even better. So, yeah, I just. I wish I could go back and, like, relive that entire day. It was so amazing.
- [15:33]
Sue Bird
I mean, it wasn't just that day. You put up, like, crazy numbers in the tournament. I mean, like, if I could read them, it was like, the whole tournament. You were like, over 125 points, over 50 rebounds, over 15 block shots, shooting 65%. You joined elite company. Your 30 points got you into elite company with Elena Deladon, Brittney Griner. Was there anything different about your approach in the NCAA tournament versus the regular season?
- [15:58]
Lauren Betts
Man, I feel like when you get to the tournament, it's just like, you gotta do whichever the team needs. So I think, like, all of us being such a mature group, it was like, you know, no one cares who's scoring, who's doing what. It's like you're going in just to win games. Like, we just want to get to the next game. It doesn't matter what's going on. And I feel like we really had that, like, good mindset moving forward. So, like, I feel like it was just really amazing to see everyone kind of put their egos aside and, like, since we're such, like, a talented team individually, like, you could have people who are trying to get theirs, but, like, it was never about that for us. And I feel like it felt better at the end when we won it that way because we truly, like, worked so hard together. There was a group to do that, so just really proud of all of us. It was really amazing.
- [16:47]
Sue Bird
Do you miss them?
- [16:48]
Lauren Betts
I do. I actually, like, I genuinely miss them so much. And I'm sure they're annoyed at me telling them that because they're like, lauren, grow up. We've left. I'm like, I miss you guys. Seeing you every day. And, like, even when I was just in la, I got to go to really Fast Mo Austin, our practice facility, and, like, see some of the girls and coaches, and I was like, I just, like, that's, like, my family for the rest of my life. So, yeah, they mean a lot to me.
- [17:16]
Sue Bird
Yeah. The cool part is it'll feel like that forever. It obviously changes because you all go your separate ways, but anytime you get back together, kind of like, what was that? Were you on, like, a zoom? What were you guys on? What platform was that?
- [17:27]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, we were on. So, like, I was actually scrolling on TikTok and I saw that Char and G were on live and I was like, oh, I'm hopping on this. I have to watch. And then they're like, lauren, join. And so I joined and I texted our group chat, and I was like, everyone needs to hop on this live right now. Because. And then, of course, everyone was free. So everyone was on there. So much fun. And people were like, we feel like we're intruding on, like, a group FaceTime. Because it really was like we were just chatting it up and it was really fun.
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Sue Bird
So it was TikTok Live.
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Lauren Betts
Yeah, it was TikTok Live, which is so. And, like, I don't.
- [17:59]
Sue Bird
This is when I show my generation. I just.
- [18:01]
Lauren Betts
I don't even use TikTok Live. Like, I never.
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Sue Bird
That makes me feel better. That makes me feel better.
- [18:06]
Lauren Betts
How are you feeling? I don't go on that.
- [18:09]
Sue Bird
I do want to. I do want to touch on a couple more just, like, aspects of your. Of your tournament run. You kind of mentioned it two seconds ago. Like, you guys were just down to do whatever you need to do to get to the next game. And that's exactly how that Texas, the semifinal game felt because it was so grimy. It was like, I'm not going to lie, ugly. I think you agree the final score is 51 to 44. Everybody was like, what's going on?
- [18:35]
Lauren Betts
Ye.
- [18:36]
Sue Bird
No, but I feel like games like that. Well, let me just ask. Did that game help you heading into the final? Skirt. Skirt.
- [18:45]
Lauren Betts
It's Kiki.
- [18:47]
Sue Bird
What up? She can say hi.
- [18:48]
Lauren Betts
Oh, yeah, she already left. Sorry, what did. What was the question?
- [18:53]
Sue Bird
If having to play a game like that game against Texas, if it helped you going into the finals?
- [18:58]
Lauren Betts
I think so, honestly, like, I will say that, like, Texas game, because we had lost to them. That was our only loss of the season. Like, that was the most, like, aggressive, physical game that I think I'd ever played. Like, it was so hard from the beginning to end. And, you know, every single bucket that I've had, I felt like I had to really work for it because their posts are such great defenders, and it was. It was a really tough game. But I feel like that did mentally prepare us moving forward where, like, if we can beat Texas, like, we can beat anybody.
- [19:29]
Sue Bird
We're good. Wait, is that first time you. Is that the first time when. The first time you played them, is that when you bopped your elbow?
- [19:35]
Lauren Betts
Yes. So the first. Yes. Yes.
- [19:38]
Sue Bird
Yeah, that was.
- [19:39]
Lauren Betts
That was. Yeah.
- [19:41]
Sue Bird
Why do you look embarrassed?
- [19:42]
Lauren Betts
No, because I was just, like. Of all things, like, why my elbow? Like, weirdest injury to have, but I did. And then I wore, like, that little arm sleeve for a while, and then I like, yeah, I was like, this just needs to come off. Like, this isn't me.
- [19:55]
Sue Bird
Well, that's what happened. And then you came to USA Basketball, like, not that long after that. And then I think you, like. I think someone, like, maybe brushed against it, and we were like, hold her out. Cory's not coming for us.
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Lauren Betts
No, take her out. I know. I looked at her.
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Sue Bird
Take her out.
- [20:09]
Lauren Betts
Like, I don't. I don't think. I don't think.
- [20:11]
Sue Bird
And we were like, no, no, no, no, no, no.
- [20:13]
Lauren Betts
I was terrified as well. I was like, I don't want Cory to get mad at me, so I'm just gonna take myself out for now.
- [20:18]
Sue Bird
We were all on the same page with that one. But that was funny. That was funny. Well, we all know the end result, which is that you won the whole thing. You mentioned looking back, seeing your dad, obviously your whole family rocking with you the whole time, but you had your sister, who now makes you sleep on the couch. Apparently, when you go back to visit, that's kind of messed up. But you also had your sister Sienna with you that year, so, like, how. How cool was that to win with her?
- [20:45]
Lauren Betts
I mean, I feel like she just made, like, she really put, like, basketball into, like, a different perspective for me, because I feel like I always looked at it as, like, almost a job in a way. And I. When I got to show up to practice every single day and just, like, see my family there, it just made it so fun for me. And I feel like my senior year, I was, like, just able to show up and just, like, truly enjoy myself every day, which I haven't experienced in a While just because there's so much pressure with being a national championship contending team every year. So I was just like, oh, my gosh. So to be able to see her and just have fun in the practices, her and I would be going at it, and just like, some days we're fighting, some days we're laughing. It just depended on the way. And then, you know, to be able to win, like, Big Ten with her and then, you know, win a national championship. Like, it was something that we always talked about growing up because we'd won state together in high school. And then, like, you know, it was just like, oh, we'll see. Like, you know, maybe one day. And we just, like, laugh about it. And then for it to actually happen was just like. I was like, there's no way. This is real life right now. I just. I couldn't believe it.
- [21:48]
Sue Bird
I know. It is pretty crazy. You had one chance.
- [21:51]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, one.
- [21:51]
Sue Bird
And you nailed it. And he nailed it. So what I didn't know until I was like, you know, doing my little research for this. I didn't know. She was, like, pissed at you for going to ucla.
- [22:01]
Lauren Betts
Was.
- [22:03]
Sue Bird
And very quickly, we're gonna. We're gonna get into the Stanford of it all. But just for the listeners as you tell this story, Lauren, you started your. Your college career at Stanford, played one year, and then transferred to ucla. And this is. Sienna was, like, already in the recruiting process, had already basically wanted and decided she was going to UCLA as well, and then was pissed at you.
- [22:23]
Lauren Betts
Mad.
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Sue Bird
So mad.
- [22:25]
Lauren Betts
Like, oh, my gosh. I remember just, like, my parents being like, lauren, like, I know ucla, like, you really want to go there, but I'm letting you know, like, Sienna might. You might not hear from Sienna for a little bit. She's a little upset right now. She's a little aggravated. And, like, I took it upon myself, like, I put. So she came for a visit, and I remember, like, begging her to come. And I was like, sienna, like, it's gonna be okay. But she still wasn't, like, fully locked in. And we had a meeting with just the coaches, and I joined, and I'm like, you know, secretly on FaceTime with my family, like, not knowing that. She was, like, considering. But I put together a whole presentation for her and, like, slideshow prezi. And I was like, reasons why, like, you should come to ucla. And I put, like, how, you know, she's gonna have so much fun. We're gonna have so much fun going out. I was like, besides the basketball, like, you get to be a student Athlete at UCLA with your big sister who's a senior. Like, I can show you around all the good spots. Like, best. I'll drive you all around. Like, do whatever you want. And then I was like. And also, like, things I'm gonna do better as your older sister. Like, I'm gonna make sure that you have your own identity. Like, I'm gonna make it very clear that, like, this is what you got here yourself. Like, I didn't do any of this for you. And she starts, like, fully, like, breaking down crying in the middle of the meeting, and all the coaches are, like, tearing up. And then all of a sudden, my family, like, calls me. It was, like, insane timing. And they're like, lauren, like, don't tell the coaches. Like, she's committed. And I'm like, oh. Oh, shoot. Oh, shoot.
- [23:52]
Sue Bird
Wait, she didn't tell you first?
- [23:53]
Lauren Betts
No. I had no clue she was committing. So I found out with the coaches. I was like, oh. Oh, my God. And then I show everybody, and then she's, like, crying, and she's like, oh, funny. Okay, I'm coming. I'm coming. I'm like, yes.
- [24:08]
Sue Bird
Oh, my God.
- [24:09]
Lauren Betts
Yeah.
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Sue Bird
I guess she wanted to surprise you.
- [24:11]
Lauren Betts
I know. She definitely did. She wasn't gonna tell me before mom and dad for sure.
- [24:15]
Sue Bird
Yeah.
- [24:16]
Lauren Betts
Yeah.
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Sue Bird
Do you think you guys are closer now that you played this one year together?
- [24:19]
Lauren Betts
Yes. Like, we have gotten so close, and I feel like we had a really good balance between, like, being in each other's space and, like, supporting each other when we needed it, and also, like, you know, allowing her to have her freshman year with her, like, best friends. Now the other freshmen, they've gotten so close, so I feel like it really helped us because we had, like, a good. We had a good balance, so it was really good.
- [24:41]
Sue Bird
So where does. Where does Corey. Where does Coach Close fit into this in terms of why you wanted to go there, why Sienna wanted to go there, and what you guys were able to achieve?
- [24:50]
Lauren Betts
I think Coach Corey always has had, like, a really good balance between. She always puts it on the top of her practice plan. Struggle and joy. And I feel like she's really good at, like, pushing players to their edge and, like, making things really difficult. But at the same time, like, she loves you more than any other person in the world and supports you so much, and she makes it very clear that she does and, like, ways that she shows up in, like, your real life, like, outside of basketball, she shows up for everything, and she wants to be there for you. And, like, I really appreciated that. From her and, you know, came to, like, Sienna. She was so big on, like, letting her have her own identity and treating her as her own person and, like, getting away from that whole, like, little sister thing. And I feel like Sienna really appreciated that, and I really appreciated that. And, like, Coach Corey has been, like, such a big part of my life and just, like, how I've become as a player, as a person, and, like. Yeah, I mean, she changed my life, so I'm always very, very grateful for her.
- [25:47]
Sue Bird
Yeah, well, I mean, she clearly knows what she's doing. You guys had six players drafted, five in the first round. That was, That's a record.
- [25:57]
Lauren Betts
I know.
- [25:59]
Sue Bird
Do you know. Do you know whose record you broke?
- [26:01]
Lauren Betts
Yours.
- [26:03]
Sue Bird
Damn. At the draft, I was like, come on. No, I'm joking.
- [26:07]
Lauren Betts
I was, I walked past you. I was like, hey, sorry, girl.
- [26:12]
Sue Bird
It's funny. I didn't even know. And all of a sudden. Cause the way the draft was, you know, obviously there's the audience, and they had the big screens, and you can hear Ryan, Rebecca, Drea, like, talking, but you don't always know what is happening or going on. And all of a sudden, I saw the picture of my draft day, like, the four of us getting drafted, and I was like, oh, gosh, what's happening? Like, something, something's being talked about, and I don't know what it is. And then obviously it came to me. No. Yeah. Super dope. Listen, it was. I was proud to have had to have been a part of that record, and I'm really glad that you guys broke it, because it is, it is pretty. It's pretty impressive. It's pretty crazy. I'm not sure we're going to see anybody do that for a very long time.
- [26:54]
Lauren Betts
No, like, I, I, I don't either that it's legit.
- [27:00]
Sue Bird
Yeah. And your families were unbelievably adorable.
- [27:03]
Lauren Betts
Oh, my gosh. I was hearing about it.
- [27:05]
Sue Bird
They were, like, huddled up, kind of, like, jumping around. They all had their hats on.
- [27:11]
Lauren Betts
They're so cute. But it's like, I feel like the way, like, that they were at the draft, it just totally, like, represents the way we, their daughters, like, it's just we're a prime example of, like, what they've all raised.
- [27:23]
Sue Bird
Just, like, they look like they know how to have fun. So.
- [27:27]
Lauren Betts
Yes, we definitely.
- [27:28]
Sue Bird
I can only imagine what the, what the, what the tournament run was like on the parental side. It was fun, man. Okay. So I want to actually. So, like, obviously, your class, super special. Getting drafted. How, like, how amazing is it? I Know you missed them, but how amazing is it to be able to. To kind of go through all this? Like, having, you know, five other people who are kind of doing it at the same exact time, like, going to training camp, experiencing that. I mean, you guys have me fucking dying, talking about the practice. Players are adults.
- [28:05]
Lauren Betts
Because it's so weird.
- [28:07]
Sue Bird
I know, but it's not weird. That's why it was funny. I was like, what are they supposed to be? I was always like, what are their jobs? But then you find out some of them come at lunchtime. One of our best practice players, like, all time best. Not necessarily, like, most skilled, but he was just, like. He knew what his. Like, he knew what his role was, and he did it. He was like a lawyer. He would just, like, come on his off hours. Like, I know. You were cracking me up.
- [28:33]
Lauren Betts
I really appreciate that you guys take time out of your day to come and just get whooped on every day. I love that for you guys. But, yeah, no, I mean, definitely. It's. It's been definitely really cool to experience all of this and have two of my UCLA people here with me, have one assistant coach who I've grown up watching since high school. Mikayla and I went to the same high school, so, yeah, she's a Grandview girl from Colorado, and I watched her win her state championship. And then to end up going to ucla. She says I'm following her everywhere. That's what she likes to tell people, I guess.
- [29:07]
Sue Bird
Well, technically, you played for the. No, no, but technically you played for the Mystics before her.
- [29:14]
Lauren Betts
Exactly.
- [29:14]
Sue Bird
She hasn't. She'll be back soon, I'm hoping, but she's been injured at the start of the season.
- [29:18]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, that's true. That's true. So she's so. Technically, yeah, she followed me at the end, but. Yeah. And then, like, you know, going through this rookie year with Ang has been just amazing. I mean, I feel like her and I have. We're already so close at ucla, but to, you know, be able to have good conversations with her and just support each other through all of it and, you know, be each other's biggest cheerleaders has been really special. And then to hear from all of my teammates, like, every now and then, like, something will happen, and then we're like. Or, like, something crazy will happen in the game or, like, we'll hear something. Or, like, there's tea in the lounge, and they're like, hey, guys, like, guess what happened today. I'm like, oh, shoot. Like, because we just. The teams are so Spread around. Like, we just. There's eyes everywhere.
- [29:59]
Sue Bird
No, it is pretty amazing you have each other, because being in the wnba, it just. I don't care who you are, I don't care what pick you are. I don't care if you're rookie of the year, if you're MVP or if you're a developmental player. It doesn't matter. It is so challenging. No matter. Like I said, age, position, and something that you have been really open about is just some of the challenges you faced in your college career, particularly the mental health aspect of it. Very quickly I mentioned earlier, but for those that don't know, you started at Stanford, you then transferred. Like I said, fast forward to March of 2026, which is just a few months ago. You had actually talked about it prior to this, but you wrote a Player's Tribune article titled I want to be here sharing what you went through during a time where there were thoughts of not wanting to be here. As in, like, here, here. Yeah, I recommend everybody checking that out. But like I said, you had discussed some of this. This wasn't like an unknown. It was just Players Tribune is your voice, so it makes it a little bit different. Like, what made you want to share that in that moment? What gave you the confidence to be that vulnerable?
- [31:05]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, I feel like, you know, I had healed so much since my sophomore year of college. And, like, I seriously remember, like, being in the car with my mom after, like, a long day, and we were talking for, like, hours, and she's like, lauren, like, your story is so important, and I'm telling you, it's gonna help so many people. And I feel like you should honestly think about, like, speaking up about it. And I remember just being like. I think I held so much shame about it for so long because I was just so embarrassed that I could, like, get to that point and, like, that I put people in my circle through so much trauma because of it. And then I think I got to the point where I was like that, you know, depression and, like, having those feelings. It's an illness. It's not like, something that you just choose. And I feel like, you know, finally getting to, like, separate myself from that and being able to learn from it and, like, know that other people are experiencing the same thing. It helped me so much realize that, like, okay, this is a story I want to put out. I want to, you know, make sure that other people feel seen through my story. And I just know that, like, you know, the feedback that I've gotten from it has been so Validating and like, yeah, it was the best decision ever. And I'm just gonna continue to be vulnerable and honest. Cause I feel like, you know, if I can continue to do that through sports and athletes, I feel like it's just gonna be amazing.
- [32:24]
Sue Bird
What has been the feedback? Or, like, has there been moments where you've actually had conversations with people who've been like, oh, my God, thank you for. Yeah. Do you have any stories?
- [32:34]
Lauren Betts
So, actually with my first article, my ESPN one, I was in sport beach for. In.
- [32:42]
Sue Bird
Yeah, I can. Oh, yeah, I remember. What about those afties?
- [32:47]
Lauren Betts
I know. So, like, it was like, right after the article had come out, and I went first day at the. Yeah. Where everything was at. Showed up and, like, the first person I see, she's like, oh, my gosh, Lauren Betts, like, your ESPN article, like, seriously was so amazing. And you could tell she had, like, scars all over her wrists. And she's like, I relate to your story. And she's, like, crying, and she's like, I'm so thankful for you. And like. Yeah. I mean, there's just been so many different instances with, like, fans after games, and they're like, your article saved my life and all this stuff, and it's like, you don't even realize just, like, talking about it, like, it's not much. Like, all you have to do is just share your story, but people just appreciate knowing that, like, someone who's held to this, like, standard and is held so high is like, I'm not like a robot. I'm like, just a normal person who's experienced things. And, you know, I'm very human. And I feel like people appreciate that side of athletes.
- [33:46]
Sue Bird
Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. It's incredible. I feel like that feedback moment or that moment when people come up, that is what. It's a difference maker. Obviously, it was a difference maker for them to read your story, but then also for you to, like, get that positive reinforcement, to keep doing it, to keep sharing it. Yeah, exactly. You talked about therapy. I go to therapy. I love therapy. Obsessed.
- [34:07]
Lauren Betts
I love therapy.
- [34:08]
Sue Bird
Yes. But you talked about it being a part of your journey. This might be a deep question, but I am curious. What's been the biggest area of growth for you since even if you take it back to the first year of Stanford through your therapy, what's been an area where you can actually. Oh, man, I've really grown.
- [34:29]
Lauren Betts
Yeah. I feel like, honestly, not. I feel like isolating has been something that I've really had to work on and being comfortable knowing that, like, I Feel like some of the biggest struggles that I faced when I first entered college was like, feeling like I was alone through all of it and that everyone in the world was judging me. Cause I'd come into college and I was like, okay, you know, I was an all American. All this stuff. You realize everyone in college is an all American. Especially when Stanford. So you show up and you're like, oh, my gosh, everyone's amazing. Everyone's doing this. And I felt so much shame from, like, being like such this big person in high school and coming to college and being. And not playing. And I was like, I'm like, embarrassing myself. I'm embarrassing my family, like, what's going on? And like, every game moving forward, even when I went to UCLA and I'd have one bad game, I was like, oh, my gosh, I'm the worst person in the world. Like, I tie my entire self worth around basketball and my performance. And I think finally, like, getting the support that I needed and being honest about how I was doing and getting help was like the first step. And then being able to just like, understand that, you know, basketball is not me. Like, it's something that I do, but it's not who I am at the end of the day. And I. I have so many amazing qualities about me that don't involve basketball. And I feel like I'm finally able to, like, you know, be Lauren and be myself and not tie everything to the sport that I play. And that's been like, the biggest thing that I'm like, still growing in, but, like, huge difference from when I first started playing college basketball.
- [36:08]
Sue Bird
Yeah. I mean, I think every athlete encounters that. It's unavoidable if there's an athlete that doesn't, like, honestly, more power to you.
- [36:17]
Lauren Betts
Seriously.
- [36:18]
Sue Bird
Because we all. Yeah, I'm like, good for you. Cause I think everybody goes through that probably all the time, but definitely at some point. How? Oh, my gosh. I don't even know if I would have an answer for this question, so I'm gonna apologize ahead of time, but how did you detach your value as a person from your play? Are there methods you use to quiet that voice?
- [36:43]
Lauren Betts
I think first for me, talking everything out and getting out of my head. Because when I sit with things for so long, I make it the biggest deal in the entire world. And I've learned that through therapy because I will. One thing will happen to me in a game and I will sit on it for so long after, and I'm like, oh, my gosh. And I'M having the worst anxiety ever. And I talk about it in therapy. I'm like, it's really not that. That serious. Like, I don't know why I was freaking out about it that much. But, like, you know, I feel like, for me, just airing everything out has helped me so much. Like, that's been my biggest piece, like, for me, of just, like, finally separating myself was just, like, find, you know, finding things that I really like to enjoy, too. I think, outside of basketball. Like, I. You know. You know, once I got my car and I was able to leave my apartment, I think that was, like, the greatest thing that's ever happened to me, because I was like, I wasn't sitting in my apartment all day. I was out exploring la, like, doing whatever I wanted. And I felt like I was finally living. Like, living. I was like, I'm not a basketball player who comes home from practice and just, like, sits in my room all day. Like, I can do whatever I want. And so that was really helpful for me.
- [37:55]
Sue Bird
Yeah. A therapist I worked with, because I would do the same thing. Like, you sit in your own head, and you're just going, going, going. And she was like, get off the hamster wheel. And now I literally picture myself running on a hamster wheel in those moments, and it helps me. Like, the second I feel it happening, I'm like, oh, my God, I'm going ham on this fucking hamster wheel. Like, get off. And I. And I can. I can, like, remove myself from it. I love that. Like, figuratively and, like, metaphorically or whatever. Yeah, yeah. So if you want to steal that one. The hamster wheel is tough.
- [38:23]
Lauren Betts
I probably will, actually, because that's a good. It really does feel like that. And you're just, like, adding on, adding on. And it's like, Lauren's just.
- [38:30]
Sue Bird
Yeah, yeah, you're just going. So another part of just, like, the pressures that I guess you've grown up with is that you've been tall, like, always. And I actually, I shared this with. I had Stewie on last year. We talked about a little bit. I really didn't understand what that was until I was talking to teammates who grew up tall. I don't know how to say it, which is, like, even at an early age, like, you know, maybe you're like, three or four, and people think you're eight, and they're going up to your parents, like, hey, how come your kid's not potty trained? Or how come your kid can't talk? Like, what's going on?
- [39:06]
Lauren Betts
Oh.
- [39:06]
Sue Bird
Cause she's two. You know, even though you're like, whatever, you're like five foot already. But so anyways, so that's like a whole other thing that you've kind of talked about when you look at. And you've probably seen it with your siblings. Like, your brother's seven, too.
- [39:20]
Lauren Betts
I was the biggest. I was the most protective sibling over my brother because he's, like, extra tall. Like, I'm tall, but my brother is, like, up there. And whenever people would get mad at my brother, like, oh, my God, my sister and I would go ham on everybody.
- [39:35]
Sue Bird
Really? Yeah. No, but, like, so what. So, like, when you talk to younger athletes or even your brother, who I think is like, is he, like, in the recruiting process right now?
- [39:43]
Lauren Betts
Yeah.
- [39:44]
Sue Bird
Yeah. So when you're, like, talking to the younger athletes, like, how do you. What do you talk to them about? Taking care of themselves, like, in sport?
- [39:50]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, I feel like, honestly, just finding, like, the joy in what you're doing and, like, remembering your. Why. I feel like when I, Like, I first started playing because. Well, first off, my parents put me in everything, so basketball was, like, my last choice. Like, I thought I was gonna be for most of my.
- [40:07]
Sue Bird
I'm so thankful for it.
- [40:08]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, no, me too. Like, you know, I. I really had to fall in love with basketball for me to do it. Like, it wasn't just like, oh, I was forced. Like, my parents were like, I mean, if you want to play basketball, go ahead. And I chose it. But, I mean, I feel like, yeah, just finding the joy, remembering, you know, like, why you do it every single day and just like, you know, realizing that it's just something that you choose to do. It's not like, you know, it's. It's not your entire life. At the end of the day, like, you really just have to separate and, like, get. Find some hobbies. That is the biggest thing.
- [40:38]
Sue Bird
Yeah.
- [40:39]
Lauren Betts
I think I've learned is like, yes, yes. And I know, like, for me in college, like, I'm sure if you ask my teammates, they'll tell you I was the first person to always be like, we are doing something as a team. We are going out, we're doing this, we're doing that, we're doing. Because I'm just like, we. You know, we're all so stressed out throughout the season, and everything is so hard and we're traveling. But I'm like. Like, firstly, we're in la. Like, we have to take advantage of being here. And. Yeah, no, I just, like, I think balance is, like, the biggest thing for Me. And yeah, I feel like, especially coming now to like DC just trying to explore the area, finding things to do, stuck in my apartment all day. It's been really good.
- [41:16]
Sue Bird
Yeah. I was literally just about to ask, like, how are you finding that mindset now that you're in the wnba? Has it changed or. It sounds like it's the same.
- [41:23]
Lauren Betts
Oh, it's the same. And I feel like even like the connectivity between like the teammates, like at the end of the day, like, I feel like. And I was talking to our coach about it, Coach Sid, which he's amazing. I was talking to him about how I understand that the W is a business at the end of the day and people come and go, but I feel like my morals and having good connections with my teammates, the people I'm gonna be playing with off the court, is just as important to me as it is on the court. And I feel like I'm always gonna strive at making sure that I understand who I'm working with every single day. And it's risky. Cause you honestly might not see the person the next day, but it's like that' important to me. Like it is. And I'm going to do that wherever I go. So. Yeah. And I feel like that's something that I really brought from ucla girl.
- [42:11]
Sue Bird
Winter is so last season and now spring's got you looking at pictures of tank tops with hungry eyes. Your algorithm is feeding you cutoffs. You're thirsty for the sun on your shoulders that perfect hang on the patio sundress. Those sandals you can wear all day and all night. And you've had enough of shopping from your couch. Done. Hoping it looks anything like the picture when you tear open that envelope. It's time for a little in person spring treat. It's time for a trip to Ross. Work your magic. AI is moving fast across the enterprise. But without visibility, it's just chaos. Different tools, different models, different teams using AI in completely different ways. ServiceNow turns that chaos us into control. With the AI control tower. You see all your AI across the business in one place. What it's doing, what it's done and what it's about to do. So you stay in control. To put AI to work for people, visit servicenow.com hi, I'm Maria Sharapova, host of the Pretty Tough podcast. Each episode I sit down with high achieving women to discuss the pursuit of excellence without apology. This week on the show, comedian and best selling author Chelsea Handler gifts her tips on independence and aging gracefully. I would argue that 50 now that I am 50, and I understand life more than I did when I was 30 or 40 is that you get so much more wisdom and you get so much more experience that you actually feel like you're beginning again. Check out pretty tough new episodes on Wednesdays. You can watch it on YouTube or listen in your favorite podcast app. Yeah. Okay, let's take it back to. Not necessarily specifically draft night, but you get drafted. You get drafted fourth. You're in D.C. as we've established, that means you're part of this rookie class that gets to participate in this new cba, where the money is, you know, not bad. Not bad, not terrible. So you're right now. I know you're right now. On a guaranteed contract. It's 1.29 over three years. It's like $407,000 a year, which is amazing. I know you already had nil money, so it's. I feel like for you guys, it's not this, like, crazy difference, but has there been any splurges, any big purchases?
- [44:26]
Lauren Betts
Yeah. Oh, my God. I bought a Dior bag the other day, and I. And you know what's crazy is I had to meet with all my financial people, like, the like, and they were like, so, how are you doing? You must be great, because we're looking.
- [44:41]
Sue Bird
They saw it.
- [44:42]
Lauren Betts
Yeah. You've been spending. And we're, like, talking about, like, you know, just keeping, you know, because with the travel and, like, shipping all my stuff over here, like, it was really. Last month was really bad for me. Like, I needed to calm down. And I'm like, well, guys, like, just trying to, like, convince them that I'm going to do better. Hopefully they believe me. I've been doing pretty well so far. But that Dior bag, man, like, I really went for it. I really did.
- [45:03]
Sue Bird
I mean, 1.29. We'll call it 1.3 over three years. I think you can get yourself a Dior bag.
- [45:07]
Lauren Betts
I think I'm okay.
- [45:08]
Sue Bird
I think you're all right.
- [45:09]
Lauren Betts
I had to.
- [45:10]
Sue Bird
Are you in team housing?
- [45:12]
Lauren Betts
Yeah. Yeah.
- [45:13]
Sue Bird
Oh, you're fine. Yeah.
- [45:14]
Lauren Betts
That's what I'm saying.
- [45:15]
Sue Bird
Look at all this money I'm saving.
- [45:16]
Lauren Betts
No, literally, what I'm saying. Thank you.
- [45:19]
Sue Bird
My first purchase was, like, a Burberry handbag, which, honestly, the fact that I. A handbag. I was literally, like, dupe with my little handbag. It was, like, this big, but I was so hype. That was my big splurge. Oh, my God. It's so funny. So the one thing that is a bummer about Winning your senior year is like, everything get. Is. Everything's so fast. Like, you win for you. 15 days later, 15, that's it. You're in your draft night. So I'm sure you're. The parties were cut a little short. But I am curious, in those days leading up to the draft, like, what were you hearing? I feel like things are different now where there's a lot of conversation. This draft was really wide open. I actually had Olivia on last week talking about it. It was a wide open draft. So what were you hearing about it? About you, like, where you were gonna go?
- [46:11]
Lauren Betts
Like, I. For me, like, I. I had seen Sid, like, a few of our practices, so I kind of, like, I was like, okay. Like, he seems cool. Like, obviously, I can't talk to him, but I'm like, hey, like, you. You see me type of vibe. And, you know, I was just like, you know, everything changed. Like, there was, like. I went from, like, first to third to fourth to take. I was like, I don't know what, but wherever I go, I'm just going to be happy for me. I was like, the fact that I'm getting drafted, like, is a dream come true for me. So I was just trying to stay, like, very, like, just positive. But I feel like there were. I was just like, I would talk to my agent every now and then. I'm like, hey, what's going on? She's like, well, okay, it's between this and this and that. I'm like, that's not helping. Where am I going?
- [46:54]
Sue Bird
Like, yeah, rather just. I'm like, okay, I'll just find out later.
- [46:57]
Lauren Betts
But, yeah, I mean, like, with. I remember, like, being, like, the night before, I'm with Liv, and. And I'm like, girl, like, what's going to happen? Like, she's like, I don't know. Like, we're going to show up on the draft day, which never happens, and we are genuinely not going to know where we're going. So, like, it was genuine. It was like, our real reactions, finding out where we're going, like, up until the cameras are, like, in your face, like, we really had no idea. So.
- [47:20]
Sue Bird
Yeah. Yeah.
- [47:21]
Lauren Betts
Crazy.
- [47:22]
Sue Bird
I know. I do feel like there is an element. Even if you know where you're going, it still doesn't feel real till the name is called anyways, so there's even, like, there's like, a tension always on draft night, like, regardless. Well, obviously you went to D.C. which was amazing. You've already brought up Sidney Johnson, Coach Johnson, a couple times. So just talk about what it's like playing for him and kind of how he runs your guys practices and your teams and how it's like more than just basketball.
- [47:48]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, no, I love him because I kind of told him. I was like, you guys remind me of UCLA in a way where it's just like, all about the journey and getting to know us as people. And it's just like, I show up every day and I like, I'm just having fun. And, you know, I feel like I'm just, you know, I can have really good conversations with him and he always wants to find out about me as a person. And like, even today, like, before practice started, he's like, I saw your Sports center interview about mental health. I want to talk to you about that. That is really special. I'm like, thanks, coach. I appreciate that. Like, what? He's just like, he's the sweetest. And we all call him, like, he's like, he's our dad. Like, he's just such.
- [48:22]
Sue Bird
Yeah, he comes across like that. He gets dad vibes for sure.
- [48:25]
Lauren Betts
Vibes, which I love. And we drive him crazy because we're like, a really cool.
- [48:30]
Sue Bird
That's what kids do.
- [48:31]
Lauren Betts
Yeah. Like, we. He's like, he's always young hoes.
- [48:34]
Sue Bird
Do you know?
- [48:35]
Lauren Betts
That's what young hoes do. He's like, you guys. He's like, you guys are wild. You're wild. That's what he says all the time. We're like, okay.
- [48:43]
Sue Bird
Oh, my God. Young hoes. I can't. I can't get over it. Oh, my God. At first I thought you said host. That's why I was like, can you spell it?
- [48:49]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, like host. Like.
- [48:51]
Sue Bird
Oh, God. Anyways, well, it doesn't hurt. You already mentioned you get drafted with Ange. Your teammate Mikhail is, you know, signed with dc, so there's a familiarity. But you also played with Kiki. Kiki Iria Finn in Stanford. So it's like this reunion of sorts.
- [49:08]
Lauren Betts
Does that feel like for you, 16s? Oh.
- [49:11]
Sue Bird
Oh. For USA Basketball. Right, right, right. Yeah. So it's like all these, like, little. Not little like, but all these, like, full circle reunions. What's that been like?
- [49:18]
Lauren Betts
It's been so cool. I mean, like, they're. Yeah. I feel like Keke's been like my big sister for so long and, you know, just being able to watch Soni do so well in college in her rookie year and just like, you know. So, like, for me, it wasn't surprising because Sony's always been, like, underrated in my opinion. She's Such a bucket. And, like, I think to just see it in, like, oh, my God, same. But, like, they've been so helpful for me, and they've given me such great advice, and they're just always reminding me of, like, my value and what I bring to this team, and I just really appreciate that. And, like, you know, because you're just learning so much every single day, and sometimes it can get overwhelming, but they're like, oh, breaking things down for me and, like, answering any question I have, and it's just been really, really helpful.
- [50:03]
Sue Bird
What's been, like, the hardest, most overwhelming aspect?
- [50:08]
Lauren Betts
Man, I feel like really having to drop everything I learned at UCLA and then picking up all this stuff, because it's actually really funny that Ange is here with me because. Okay, so at ucla, everything we did was around the post and, like, playing high low and getting it inside. So Ange and I, the first day, we're, like, playing high low during the scrimmage, and Sid is like, what are you guys doing? What are you guys doing? Get out of the way. And it's like, just, you know, sitting to a corner instead of, like, you know, getting up and, like, flashing high post. Like, they're like, we. We're not doing that.
- [50:42]
Sue Bird
Like, we're not Send a lot of pick and rolls, aren't you?
- [50:45]
Lauren Betts
Yes. And I'm.
- [50:45]
Sue Bird
You're. You're gonna. You're probably gonna move a lot.
- [50:48]
Lauren Betts
And I'm like, what? Like, I.
- [50:50]
Sue Bird
You see this? Do you see this a lot?
- [50:51]
Lauren Betts
Yes. This?
- [50:53]
Sue Bird
Yeah, I'm just like, come get me. The wave. Come get me.
- [50:57]
Lauren Betts
Okay, You're.
- [50:59]
Sue Bird
You're on the baseline. Like, are you fucking serious?
- [51:01]
Lauren Betts
I'm like, oh, okay.
- [51:03]
Sue Bird
Welcome. Welcome to your new life.
- [51:05]
Lauren Betts
Right? Right. Just screen. Re. Screen, screen again. It's, you know, it's. You know, it's all part of the learning process. But, like, yeah, Sid makes fun of Ange and I all the time. They're like, oh, was that ucla? Did Corey tell you to do that? I'm like, yeah. Like, everything that I do, every time I get picked out and film, it's always because I'm doing something that we did.
- [51:22]
Sue Bird
Ucla.
- [51:24]
Lauren Betts
I'm sure you've seen it on her Instagram. She posts all of her. Like, it's all the same stuff.
- [51:28]
Sue Bird
Are you, like, are you the rookie that still uses their college background?
- [51:32]
Lauren Betts
No, absolutely not.
- [51:33]
Sue Bird
Okay.
- [51:34]
Lauren Betts
Okay.
- [51:34]
Sue Bird
Okay. That was always secretly, like, the cutest. My most favorite thing about rookies, I'm like, oh, you're still using your college backpack.
- [51:41]
Lauren Betts
I feel like Rory Did I feel like Rory was wearing, like. And then like, oh, for sure.
- [51:45]
Sue Bird
Every rookie does it on some level.
- [51:47]
Lauren Betts
And then she was like, okay, I think I need to put the Texas aside. I was like, yes, it's time.
- [51:52]
Sue Bird
It's time. It's time. What's it? So the one, like, vet, not the one you have multiple, but Shakira right now is kind of showing. Yeah, she has this, like, presence about her. She's publicly talked about her how she feels like this is like, a turning point for her this year. Like, she's really, like, kind of focused and determined. So first of all, what's it like just playing with her, a vet. But also it's. It's, you know, you've got these post players on your team that you are simultaneously competing with on some level, but learning from and just talk about, like, what that's like.
- [52:22]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, I mean, I feel like Kira's just like a dog. Like, she's just very confident in who she is as a person, as a player. And she just, like, she's so aggressive and she holds the standard every day. She holds people accountable. And I feel like she's just been like, a huge leader for us. And I know for me, she's just constantly talking to me about what I could fix, what I could do here. But she's also the first person to stand up and cheer me on every time I do anything. And that's been really cool for me. And, yeah, definitely look up to her a lot. She's amazing person, player, and. Yeah, I mean, and then Kiki, I've always looked up to her and she's always been so helpful for me. But I feel like while we're also helping each other when we show up to practices, even today, we. Where we compete and we get on each other's nerves and we make each other better every day. And I feel like it's just. We're just helping each other grow because at the end of the day, like, we just want to be a better team. And I feel like the more we can push each other in practice, it's just going to help us moving forward. So. Yeah.
- [53:21]
Sue Bird
Were you nervous for game one?
- [53:23]
Lauren Betts
Oh, my gosh. Oh, my gosh. I was shitting myself. I was like. I was texting my parents. I was like, I have this group chat with my parents and like, before every game, I usually am like, okay, like, I feel good. I feel good. Like, this game, I was like, I. I'm shitting myself. I'm literally. My pants. Like, there's no way this happened. I remember, like, even at practice, I was like, this is just not my life right now. Like, this is not real. Because it's like, you know, it's like you. You made it like you're in the W and it's like this is like where, you know, you watched all these grown women do their thing for so long. And I think being a part of it, like, I felt like a baby. Like my first day of. I couldn't believe it. And then like our first game scene, you know, like Kiki in her jersey, I just remember looking over at her and I was like, what? Like what? Like you're not in a UK jersey. Like, what is going on? Yeah.
- [54:13]
Sue Bird
Yeah. Oh yeah. Cause it was Toronto. That is the weird. When you start playing against your teammates, that is when early. That is the weirdest part.
- [54:19]
Lauren Betts
It is so weird. Like, I'm also just like so happy that I get to like be reunited with my teammates. Almost like every other. I feel like on the road and stuff.
- [54:28]
Sue Bird
Yeah.
- [54:28]
Lauren Betts
Now I see them pretty often, so it's nice.
- [54:31]
Sue Bird
Not even fucking six of you.
- [54:33]
Lauren Betts
Yeah.
- [54:33]
Sue Bird
Guys are all over the place.
- [54:34]
Lauren Betts
I know.
- [54:36]
Sue Bird
Well, game one didn't like go. I'm sure, like exactly how you would have planned, but you bounce back. Cause like by game two, so game one, 12 minutes, no points, five rebounds, one assist. But game two, you're already minutes already went up seven points. Honestly, even moving through, like game three, game four, game four, which was just the most recent against the Dallas Wings, you had a season high 11 points, first time in double figures. Congrats on that. How so? Like, rookie year can be. There'll be many more of those. Don't worry. Rookie year can be like so unpredictable. How do you feel like you're settling in? Like just in these first four games.
- [55:10]
Lauren Betts
Yeah. You know, I was talking to Key about that and she was like. Because I remember the first game, I was so pissed. I'm like, I don't remember the last time I had zero points.
- [55:17]
Sue Bird
I was like that, yeah, the donut's tough. I had a donut my rookie year too.
- [55:21]
Lauren Betts
I was just like that, like, what? And then she's like, but some days. She said, some days you're gonna. She said, some days you're gonna be like the shit and other days you're gonna be like the fire hydrant. And I was like, you're right.
- [55:33]
Sue Bird
Sounds alright.
- [55:34]
Lauren Betts
I was like, I am the fire hydrant today. And that's okay. And she, you know, I feel like that's just how it is. I feel like your rookie year, and I think the biggest thing is that you can't compare your process to other people because everyone is in different situations. So I'm like, you know, even with how much people compare all of us and all that, like, you can't get caught up in that. You just got to focus on getting better and staying present. So I think for me, just going to every single game with, like, I don't know what it's going to look like, this game, but when I'm in there, I'm going to be ready to go and I'm going to give to my team, and that's all that matters. So I think just having a positive attitude about it all.
- [56:10]
Sue Bird
True, true. I love that. Do you have any goals for your first year?
- [56:14]
Lauren Betts
Oh, man. Honestly, like, we better make these playoffs, man. We call it 44 and more. That is the big. That is. So, yeah, that is what we're striving for. Firstly, I personally, I'm like, just. I just want to keep getting better, and I, like, I. I feel like if I get caught up in everything else, I'm just gonna. Like, it's way too much pressure to put on myself, but I'm like, it's
- [56:38]
Sue Bird
good to keep it simple.
- [56:39]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, I'm just gonna keep it simple. Just to keep it simple, like, you know, just play a little bit more. That'd be great.
- [56:45]
Sue Bird
Only way to do that is to keep it simple. I'm actually not even bullshitting.
- [56:48]
Lauren Betts
Exactly.
- [56:48]
Sue Bird
It's really true. Just do the little things. Just do the little things. Okay. Okay. Before I let you go, I'm gonna do some quick rapid fire. They're super easy. And then we'll let you get out of here. Okay. I'm actually gonna throw one in there that I didn't really plan. What player did you look up to growing up?
- [57:04]
Lauren Betts
Ooh. Asia and Aaliyah, both of them.
- [57:07]
Sue Bird
Okay, good ones. Who are you most excited to play against?
- [57:11]
Lauren Betts
Asia.
- [57:12]
Sue Bird
Asia. That's gonna be tough.
- [57:15]
Lauren Betts
I'm not gonna lie. Like, I spoke about it on, like, one of the interviews on the w on the draft carpet. I was like, if I score on Asia, I might like te game. I'm not.
- [57:26]
Sue Bird
Okay, so maybe this is the same answer, but I'm gonna ask it anyways. Who are you most scared to play against
- [57:33]
Lauren Betts
or. No? Oh, my God.
- [57:37]
Sue Bird
Yeah, at stuff. is tough. stuff. Okay. You kind of talked a little bit, but what's something new you learned in training camp?
- [57:46]
Lauren Betts
Just how, like, physical everything is. Like, there's just you're not going anywhere untouched. That is the biggest thing I have learned. Yeah.
- [57:53]
Sue Bird
Yeah, that is very true. How are you? How's the refere. Are we going for you? Is this like a thing? Are you noticing it? You don't like it? What's. What's that face like?
- [58:00]
Lauren Betts
I mean, obviously I wasn't in W last year, but I heard it was not great last year. Like, it was.
- [58:04]
Sue Bird
It was physical. Yeah. It hasn't been great. It's been physical. I shouldn't. It's been physical for its existence.
- [58:09]
Lauren Betts
Yeah. But now it's like the complete opposite almost, where it's just like bow and I'm just like. I don't know what to especially cause our team.
- [58:17]
Sue Bird
So you think it's even worse than college?
- [58:19]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, I feel like in college we were playing. I mean, like, you saw our Texas game. We're beating the shit out of each other. That was.
- [58:24]
Sue Bird
Yeah, that's.
- [58:25]
Lauren Betts
How's it like? It was not always great, but like, honestly, it puts everything into perspective. Now I'm like, I would much rather take some of this reffing that we got in college than you're like, how
- [58:35]
Sue Bird
did I ever complain?
- [58:36]
Lauren Betts
Yeah. And like our team is so young, so it's not always gonna be fair. It's like, it's just. It's hard. It's really hard right now. We're trying to adjust for sure.
- [58:44]
Sue Bird
Okay. All right, two more. What's your go to pre game meal,
- [58:50]
Lauren Betts
man? Usually some type of like salmon and that's usually my go to. Yeah, that's a good one.
- [58:55]
Sue Bird
And then what's your pregame song?
- [58:57]
Lauren Betts
Oh, my God. Honestly, like Georgia's usually on ox and it's like a lot of like ass shaking music. So anyway.
- [59:06]
Sue Bird
Okay, man. Did you ever see that video where Georgia can like name a tune in one tune?
- [59:12]
Lauren Betts
Yeah.
- [59:13]
Sue Bird
That was insane.
- [59:15]
Lauren Betts
I know. She's like, she.
- [59:16]
Sue Bird
She deserves to be on the aux. I totally get it.
- [59:19]
Lauren Betts
No, for sure.
- [59:19]
Sue Bird
That was nuts.
- [59:21]
Lauren Betts
I know.
- [59:22]
Sue Bird
I was like, that's impressive.
- [59:23]
Lauren Betts
He's like a certified like dj. Like, she's. Yeah.
- [59:26]
Sue Bird
Oh. I was gonna say, like, I don't know. She's like Oz the mentalist. I'm like, how do you do that?
- [59:31]
Lauren Betts
Yeah, that's it.
- [59:32]
Sue Bird
That's that too. That's it. Lauren, this was amazing. Thank you so much for coming on. I really appreciate it. And good luck the rest of the year.
- [59:39]
Lauren Betts
Appreciate you. Thank you.
- [59:46]
Sue Bird
That was so fun. I hope you guys enjoy that. I really, really enjoy talking to Lauren, hearing about her journey. I mean, lesson is share what you're going through, guys. It matters. It matters. So, yeah, hopefully you guys had fun listening to that. I had fun talking to Lauren. And that's it for the episode. This is a co production of Together and the Vox Media Podcast Network and was produced by Art Chung, Charlotte Silver, Richie Bozick, Kelsey Zarl, Kati Fernandez, and Jess Clarendon.