LSU landed its first addition of the transfer-portal window Saturday after a challenging week for next season’s roster.
Former Florida guard Laila Reynolds signed with the Lady Tigers, the program announced.
The three-year starter in Gainesville has averaged 9.8 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.1 steals and 0.8 blocked shots per contest during her 98 career games, including 96 starts, and increased her scoring each season up to 12.1 points per game during her junior campaign.
[ READ MORE ON LSU’S OUTGOING TRANSFERS REPORTED THUS FAR. ]
And she was selected this past year to represent Florida at the SEC Leadership Council.
The 6-foot-1 guard out of PG County, Maryland, is a former five-star and top-20 overall national prospect and McDonald’s All-American in 2023 along with new teammates Mikaylah Williams (Parkway) and MiLaysia Fulwiley.
“I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to coach Laila,” LSU coach Kim Mulkey said in a release. “Our goals for next season align, making it the perfect fit. Her skillset paired with three years of SEC experience will be a huge asset to our team.”
In particular, Reynolds joined Williams and Fulwiley in a backcourt that has to replace star Flau’jae Johnson, who departs for the WNBA, and four outgoing transfers announced this week.
Mulkey and company appeared poised to return the bulk of the roster, including four starters and several experienced rotation players, from this year’s Sweet 16 team.
But four Lady Tigers have been reported to enter the portal this week, including starting point guard Jada Richard (Lafayette Christian), senior Kailyn Gilbert and freshmen Bella Hines and Divine Bourrage.