Candace Parker’s Hall of Fame induction became a more heartfelt moment when her daughter, Lailaa, speaking from the sidelines, shared a special message.

“Congrats, Mommy. I love you so much. This is a big thing; I love you,” said the 17-year-old Lailaa via a clip posted on the WNBA’s official X handle.

The former WNBA star entered the Hall of Fame alongside Elena Delle Donne and Chamique Holdsclaw, as the 1996 USA Basketball Women’s National Team was inducted as well.

They were officially inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame on Saturday, August 15, in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Parker’s WNBA career spanned 16 years, during which she won three championships, two league MVP awards, a Defensive Player of the Year honor, and two Olympic gold medals.

Additionally, Parker is the only player in WNBA history to win Rookie of the Year and MVP in the same season, and the first player in league history to win championships with three different teams, after helping the Las Vegas Aces win the title in 2023.

Last but not least, Parker is also a seven-time WNBA All-Star and a seven-time All-WNBA First Team selection.

The message from Lailaa, posted on the WNBA X handle, added an emotional layer to the evening that celebrated Parker’s WNBA career. However, the induction also gave Parker a moment to reflect on her journey in the sport.

When life came ‘full circle’ for Candace Parker

During her induction speech, the 40-year-old former WNBA player carried a basketball on the stage as she spoke about her relationship with the sport and what it had given her. Naturally, she got emotional towards the end of her speech.

Parker also cited Lisa Leslie and A’ja Wilson as two key figures who played a role in her career, as it came ‘full circle.’ In a video posted on ESPN’s official X handle, she spoke about starting alongside Leslie in her rookie season and ending it with Wilson in her final season in 2024.

“Full circle. I came in as a rookie with Lisa Leslie and her greatness, unknowing how time has wings, and I got to pass the torch to a GOAT in A’ja Wilson on the way out.”

Interestingly, on the night of Parker’s induction, Wilson overtook the 40-year-old in the all-time WNBA scoring charts. She entered the 11th position by scoring 32 points in the match between the Las Vegas Aces and the Minnesota Lynx.

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