LSU Guard Flau’Jae Johnson to Return for Senior Season

BATON ROUGE, La. — LSU women’s basketball star Flau'Jae Johnson has opted to skip the 2025 WNBA Draft and return for her senior season, a source confirmed to ESPN on Thursday.

The 21-year-old guard plans to consider Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) offers before deciding whether to remain at LSU for the 2025-26 season or enter the transfer portal before its deadline on April 23. Johnson, who will turn 22 in November, remained eligible for the draft despite not completing four college seasons.

Johnson’s decision follows a tough performance during the NCAA Tournament where LSU’s season concluded with a 72-65 loss to top-seeded UCLA in the Elite Eight. She averaged a career-high 18.6 points, along with 5.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists this season, earning her a spot on the third-team All-American roster and recognition as a first-team All-Southeastern Conference selection.

“After experiencing a national championship, I want to lead my team to another title,” Johnson said. “I feel like I contributed to our previous victory, but I strive for a more personal achievement where I can take my team all the way.” Her sentiments reflect her ambition to solidify her legacy at LSU.

During her freshman year, Johnson played a pivotal role in LSU’s national championship run and has established herself as one of the most marketable players in women’s basketball. Her NIL deals, which include agreements with companies like Powerade, Puma, and Amazon, are estimated to be worth $1.5 million.

Johnson’s impact at LSU extends beyond the court; she is also known for her music career as a rapper, releasing three albums. As she contemplates her future, her close relationship with head coach Kim Mulkey, who described Johnson as “irreplaceable,” will likely factor into her decision.

Should Johnson choose to remain at LSU, she will be expected to take on a more significant leadership role, especially with the anticipated loss of other key teammates. The Tigers are in transition, having recently seen forward Aneesah Morrow declare for the WNBA Draft and junior center Sa'Myah Smith enter the transfer portal.

As of now, Johnson is scheduled to make her draft decision before the April 14 deadline, which will be closely watched by fans and analysts alike.

This season marked a significant milestone for Johnson, who has demonstrated both talent and marketability. Her choice to return could shape the future of the Tigers and contribute to her development as an athlete and public figure.