Kim Mulkey, the head coach of the LSU women’s basketball team, had a rough end to the 2026 season. After a hard-fought game against Duke, LSU lost in the Sweet 16 due to a buzzer-beater shot. This heartbreaking loss was a tough pill to swallow for Mulkey and her team, who had high hopes for a successful season.
But the disappointment didn’t end there for Mulkey. She also faced some personnel problems as two of her assistant coaches, Gary Redus II and Daphne Mitchell, decided to leave the team. Redus left for Rutgers, and Mitchell followed suit. This sudden departure of two key members of the coaching staff was a blow to Mulkey and the team.
However, amidst all the chaos and disappointment, there was a glimmer of hope for Mulkey and the LSU Tigers. On a busy day in the transfer portal, LSU managed to secure the commitment of the number one center in the country, Gabe Lazo. This news came as a ray of sunshine for Mulkey, who was in dire need of some positive developments for her team.
Mulkey’s reaction to the news was nothing short of ecstatic. She exclaimed, “This is the best news ever!” and went on to express her excitement about Lazo joining the team. Mulkey believes that Lazo’s addition will bring a much-needed boost to the team’s frontcourt and help them compete at the highest level.
Lazo, a 6’5″ center from California, is known for her dominant presence in the paint and her ability to score and rebound effectively. She was highly sought after by many top programs in the country, making her commitment to LSU even more significant. With Lazo on board, Mulkey believes that the Tigers have a strong chance of making a deep run in the NCAA tournament next season.
But Lazo’s commitment wasn’t the only positive news for LSU on that busy day in the transfer portal. Mulkey also managed to secure the services of two other talented players, point guard Kaitlyn Jenkins and forward Jada Williams. Both players bring a wealth of experience and talent to the team, and Mulkey is thrilled to have them on board.
With these three additions, Mulkey has managed to fill the void left by the departure of her assistant coaches and strengthen her team for the upcoming season. She believes that these new players, along with the returning players, will form a formidable squad that can compete with the best in the country.
Mulkey’s ability to navigate through the transfer portal and secure top talent is a testament to her coaching prowess and her reputation as one of the best coaches in the game. Despite the challenges faced by her team, Mulkey remained determined and focused on finding the best solutions for her team.
The addition of Lazo, Jenkins, and Williams has not only boosted the team’s talent but has also brought a renewed sense of optimism and motivation to the LSU women’s basketball program. Mulkey’s positive attitude and determination to succeed have inspired her players to work harder and strive for greatness.
As the new season approaches, Mulkey and her team are ready to put the disappointments of the previous season behind them and start fresh. With a talented roster and a determined coach, LSU is poised to make a strong comeback and compete for a national championship.
In conclusion, while the end of the 2026 season may have been a nightmare for Kim Mulkey and the LSU women’s basketball team, the recent developments in the transfer portal have brought a sense of excitement and hope for the future. With the addition of top talent and Mulkey’s leadership, the Tigers are ready to take on any challenge and make their mark in the upcoming season. The best news ever for LSU basketball indeed.
