The Las Vegas Aces recently lost 26-year-old forward NaLyssa Smith to a season-ending leg injury.
Smith’s injury took place last weekend while the Aces faced the Toronto Tempo. The non-contact injury sidelines the young forward at a pivotal point in the WNBA season. Following the injury, Las Vegas went on to sign center Kalani Brown.
Las Vegas Aces Fans React to Signing of Kalani Brown After NaLyssa Smith’s Injury
Brown is an incredibly versatile player on both sides of the ball. However, not all fans are enthused by the signing. Some believe that the reigning champions are paying the price for only inviting 13 players to their pre-season training camp.
“The Aces were so proud of their dumb, irresponsible, lazy, and unprofessional decision not to invite anyone to training camp just to need THREE different replacement contracts + waived someone + KB was a non contributor yet AGAIN. This is not a serious franchise,” wrote one frustrated user.
The Aces were so proud of their dumb, irresponsible, lazy, and unprofessional decision not to invite anyone to training camp just to need THREE different replacement contracts + waived someone + KB was a non contributor yet AGAIN.
This is not a serious franchise https://t.co/ql2D0tSwyb
— 4x (@aonethousands) August 29, 2026
Known for her defensive prowess, the 29-year-old star is expected to bolster the Aces roster. With both WNBA and international experience, her on-court resume stands out.
During her 2025 campaign with the Phoenix Mercury, her sixth year in the league, Brown averaged 5.1 points, 4.0 rebounds and 0.6 assists per game. She shot 61.5% from the floor.
However, some are doubting Brown’s ability to make an impact for the Aces following the injury to Smith.
“Waking up from a nap to see this makes me just wanna go back to sleep,” wrote another Aces fan. “As a replacement for Ny that’s not what they need,” chimed in another.
wakin up from a nap to see this makes me just wanna go back to sleep https://t.co/6MGqsPWWtc
— Becky Hammon’s Hoodie-Blazer (@_jaynoesta) August 29, 2026
Las Vegas kept its cards fairly close to its chest before Brown’s signing, but with Smith’s injury, it became likely the franchise would strike a deal somewhere. However, some fans do not think Brown can fill the gap left by Smith’s departure.
“Really need another big. Parker-Tyus, Turner and Pissott I don’t know if this enough still, but anything might help Losing NaLyssa was tough,” wrote an Aces fan.
Really need another big. Parker-Tyus, Turner and Pissott
I dont know if this enough still, but anything might help
Losing NaLyssa was tough. https://t.co/2hKvpiQRG6
— Mavs Slander (@MavSlander) August 29, 2026
Some fans expressed frustration with the Aces front office for not getting more help for A’ja Wilson.
“We ask for something and this is what you give us? A’ja will have to drag this team to the finals again if they make it. Anyway I’m just happy to be watching A’ja hoops,” wrote one user, adding, “The front office could have done a lot better this year for A’ja at least.
While Brown’s signing divides opinion, Smith will be missed on the court as she begins her recovery journey.
Until her injury, she averaged 11.7 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 0.9 assists per game, while shooting 63.8% from the floor.
Las Vegas is third in the Western Conference, riding an overall record of 27-13. Although this hasn’t been a flawless season, they’ve managed to fill their latest holes without much trouble.
