Allie Clifton has interviewed LeBron James during an NBA championship run and spent years covering professional basketball at the highest level. Yet one of the moments that stayed with her longest came down to words exchanged in a pregame tunnel.

Clifton explained her experience in detail during the Girls Tripp segment of the Road Trippin' podcast. Clifton described how she had positioned herself in the corner of the tunnel before the game, dressed up, and just wanted to introduce herself to Lakers Assistant coach Lindsey Harding.

"I've never met Lindsey," Clifton said on the Girls Tripp segment of the Road Trippin' podcast. "I've known Lindsey, I've seen her from afar… But she's the one that I'm like, 'I just want to tell her my name's Allie.' Like woman to woman, I just want to say, 'Hi, I'm Allie. I respect you. I think it is awesome that you're here. I love seeing you succeed on this stage."

That response is entirely logical considering Harding's role at this time. She had already created history by becoming the first woman to serve as an assistant coach for the Los Angeles Lakers under the guidance of JJ Redick, and she was also the first woman to earn the NBA G League Coach of the Year title.

Clifton also spoke about why the short conversation was special compared to other conversations she’s had throughout her career.

"And you walk by, and you're like, 'I love that dress.' And I was like, 'Lindsey freaking Harding' was like, 'I love that.' And I was like, my day is made," Clifton also said on the Girls Tripp segment of the Road Trippin' podcast.

Those words hold a lot of significance in light of Clifton’s personal experience. She was the first female color commentator for a Lakers game ever, an achievement that is equal to what Harding has done as a coach.

It is the shared experience of being first that sets their relationship apart from a simple tunnel moment. The story of Harding's journey to the Lakers' sideline deserves to be understood in its own right.

Lindsey Harding's Coaching Rise That Earned Allie Clifton's Respect

Harding did not become an NBA coach in one day. She started her journey as a scout and player development coach with the Philadelphia 76ers for a season in 2018-19.

After which, she became a part of the Sacramento Kings organization as an assistant and player development coach for four seasons from 2019 to 2023.

Her success arrived in the 2023-24 season as she became the head coach of the Stockton Kings. They had an outstanding season, winning the NBA G League's best overall record as well as making it to the Western Conference Finals, going 24-10 for the season.

For her efforts, she won the NBA G League Coach of the Year, becoming the first-ever woman in history to win such an award.

It didn't take long before the Lakers approached her, and she was appointed assistant coach of the team alongside JJ Redick.

Before becoming a coach, Harding was selected first overall in the 2007 WNBA draft, having played nine seasons professionally for six teams and even competing abroad while also representing Belarus in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

What are your thoughts on Allie Clifton and Lindsey Harding's pioneering way in professional basketball? Comment below.

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Written by

Utsav Gupta

Edited by

Utsav Gupta