Flau'jae Johnson's Mom Shades South Carolina in Video After LSU Loss, Hypes Star's WNBA Draft Stock

The mother of LSU star Flau'jae Johnson maintained that the Tigers star "is beating South Carolina in real life" following her team's 79-72 loss to the Gamecocks.

In an Instagram Live video, Kia Brooks said Johnson is likely to go earlier than any South Carolina in the 2026 WNBA draft and mentioned the senior guard's jersey sales among other things:

Johnson had 21 points and eight rebounds against South Carolina, though she did miss a pair of critical free throws with LSU trailing by one point inside the final minute.

Brooks took what some are likely to consider a veiled shot at the Tigers' supporting cast when she said Johnson "carried that game" and that "South Carolina didn't beat Flau'jae."

There's a good chance Johnson goes before any Gamecocks player in this year's draft. Hunter Cruse projected her to go sixth overall to the Portland Fire in his mock draft for Bleacher Report. That's spot ahead of South Carolina guard Ta'Niya Latson.

Johnson has a burgeoning career as a recording artist away from the court as well. A genuine crossover star, the 22-year-old is set up well for when she leaves Baton Rouge.

Still, the idea that Johnson is winning "in real life" is contrasted against the fact Dawn Staley has beaten LSU in 18 straight meetings.

South Carolina can also claim bragging rights in terms of recent NCAA tournament results. Johnson was part of the Tigers team that lifted a national title in 2023, but the Gamecocks were national champions in 2024 and then the runners-up last year.

Maybe Johnson is besting her SEC rivals in the game of life. It's a different story on the court.