A’ja Wilson just added another milestone to her legendary career, being named the 2025 WNBA MVP—her fourth time taking home the honor, the most in league history. The Las Vegas Aces forward dominated the voting, collecting 51 of 72 first-place nods and finishing with 657 total points. That put her comfortably ahead of Minnesota’s Napheesa Collier, who tallied 534, and Phoenix’s Alyssa Thomas with 391. And while Wilson continues to etch her name deeper into the record books, it’s not just fans celebrating—NBA greats are lining up to salute her achievement.

Pau Gasol couldn’t help but join the celebration, posting on his Instagram story, “Fourth-time MVP🤯 Congratulations, A’ja!!” and even challenging her to “Keep making history🏆.” Honestly, that’s not much of a stretch for Wilson—she already has. With MVP honors in 2020, 2022, and 2024, this latest win puts her ahead of legends like Sheryl Swoopes, Lisa Leslie, and Lauren Jackson, each with three. Even more wild? Since being drafted No. 1 overall in 2018, she’s now taken the award in half of her eight WNBA seasons—including last year’s unanimous nod, something not seen since Cynthia Cooper back in 1997.

A’ja Wilson has been on a tear this season, leading the league with 23.4 points a night while also putting up 10.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists. Just this past Thursday, she tied her playoff career-high with 38 points in a nail-biting 74-73 win over the Storm, punching the Aces’ ticket to the semifinals against the Fever in Las Vegas.

And it wasn’t just her scoring—Wilson finished second in the league in blocks (92) and third in steals (64), which earned her a third Defensive Player of the Year award, this time shared with Lynx forward Alanna Smith. Add in the fact that she’s the Aces’ all-time leading scorer and already had her No. 22 jersey retired by South Carolina earlier this year, and it’s clear—Wilson’s legacy is only getting bigger.

Las Vegas showed up in full force for A’ja Wilson’s MVP moment. The place was buzzing when WNBA Commissioner Cathy Engelbert grabbed the mic and broke the news everyone was waiting on. She even said words of praise for her: “I’ve admired the way you’ve lived, with grace, humility, humor, and just one of the greatest players to ever be in this league,” she said, before adding, “You are a global icon and global ambassador, not just for our game, but for all women’s sports.”

And then came the moment nobody saw coming. Engelbert called out Miami Heat star and Wilson’s boyfriend, Bam Adebayo to present the trophy. That surprise sent Wilson to her knees, tears streaming as she tried to take in the love pouring from the crowd and her peers. What happened afterwards was even better. Wilson’s teammates and friends poured onto the floor, all rocking pink wigs—if you know, you know. It’s their way of honoring her “Pink Panther” nickname and bringing that mix of strength and fun to every playoff run. Her parents were right there in the middle of it, wrapping her up in a hug.

Inside LeBron and A’ja’s Bond

LeBron James wasn’t about to sit on the sidelines for this one. The moment A’ja Wilson secured her fourth MVP, ESPN went all in with a throne-and-crown post that felt straight out of a royal coronation. And, of course, LeBron had to put his stamp on it.

On his Instagram story, he dropped a line only he could pull off: “4 piece chicken nugget!!!! AYYYYYEEEEEEEE!!!!…CONGRATULATIONS @eSISms@aja22wilson!! PROUD OF YOU!🤎🤎🤎🙌🏾🙌🏾🙌🏾.” For him, this wasn’t just clapping for another superstar—it was personal. He’s said before that his daughter Zhuri absolutely adores Wilson, even laughing once, “my daughter is, like, in love with her, so she’s family, you know?”

That’s the thing, this connection between Bron and A’ja has been brewing for years, and it’s way more than just quick social media love. Think back to last September when Wilson went nuclear—41 points and 17 boards against Phoenix, one of her biggest games of the year. Who was first in line to hype her up online? LeBron.

He couldn’t hold back, typing, “TOO DAMN GOOOD!!!! My sister better than yours!” That’s the kind of energy he’s brought every step of the way.

And Wilson? She’s never hidden how much she draws from his example. In her words: “Talk about a crown that’s heavy. I feel like that’s what it is but I try to wear it with grace. When it comes to LeBron and his career, and his journey, he did things on his time, his way… every year, Bron constantly showed up and showed people why you will never put him in a box.”

And it’s not like their bond lives only on the internet. They’ve shared real moments. Wilson still remembers their very first encounter during a Nike shoot, when Bron looked at her and called her a “rookie with a voice.”

From there, he’s been consistent—calling her “the best player in the WNBA” during Aces camp last year, and hyping up her debut signature sneakers, the A’One. His support shows up at home too. Savannah James posted videos of Zhuri hooping in Wilson’s “Pink Aura” and “Indigo Girl” editions, tagging A’ja with nothing but love.