At the age of 29, A'ja Wilson has already completed basketball multiple times. While her accolades are countless, she is still fueled and motivated to go further, thanks to her critics.

During an appearance with Malika Andrews at the WNBA All-Star Game, Wilson was asked what continues to motivate her despite already having one of the most decorated résumés in women’s basketball.

While Wilson's answer was short and straight to the point, it drew a large reaction from the crowd nonetheless.

“My haters. My haters,” Wilson said. “Girl. I really do love proving people wrong, I love showing up as my true self and just making random people mad. I think that’s really kinda what I love doing.”

Wilson added that while championships and accolades matter, what ultimately drives her is to remain authentic to herself.

“Now, does it come with rings, banners, and trophies? Of course, that’s cute,” Wilson continued. “But it’s nothing like showing up as your true self and, like, loving in that, and loving in that space. Being in that space is always fun.”

And to her credit, this mentality certainly seems to be working, as the Las Vegas Aces star is by far the most accomplished athlete of her generation.

Wilson is a four-time WNBA MVP, three-time WNBA champion, two-time Finals MVP, three-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, eight-time WNBA All-Star, and five-time WNBA First Team player.

And if that was not enough, with the way she has been performing this season, Wilson has the opportunity to make history by winning her fifth MVP.

However, Wilson might need to keep one of her fingers free, just in case her boyfriend, Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo, decides to pop the question.

Basketball's most famous power couple have been dating for a while now, as Adebayo also addressed his thoughts on Wilson's critics.

Bam Adebayo Opens Up on Dealing with A'ja Wilson's Critics

Wilson and Adebayo have frequently supported each other's accomplishments and have been present on the sidelines to witness their magic unfold.

While Wilson is regarded as one of the best basketball players in WNBA history, she still faces her fair share of criticism, and Adebayo gave his two cents on it.

"I get so heartbroken because I can't help it," Adebayo told ESPN.

"As much as I want to get on the internet and rip a [expletive] head off, it's just like, it's better if we don't because then we all know that it works."

Regardless of the criticism faced, the couple have their legacies intact and will always remain a topic of conversation throughout the basketball fraternity thanks to their positive influence.

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Written by

Joy Bassy

Edited by

Joy Bassy