Who is Allie Clifton? Closer look at first woman to call a Lakers game in franchise history 

Longtime Spectrum SportsNet in-studio analyst Allie Clifton made history on Wednesday. Per the Los Angeles Times’ Dan Woike, Clifton became the first female to serve as a play-by-play commentator for the LA Lakers.

Clifton filled in for renowned Lakers color commentator Stu Lantz for Wednesday’s road matchup against the Utah Jazz. Lantz is reportedly away from the team as he recovers from a medical procedure.

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Who is Lakers media personality Allie Clifton?

Allie Clifton’s historic inclusion on the Lakers-Jazz broadcast had many fans searching for more info about her. So, who exactly is the team’s newest play-by-play commentator?

After a four-year college basketball career at the University of Toledo (2006-2010), Clifton began her broadcasting career. The 36-year-old first served as a sports reporter for the ABC affiliate WTVG Channel 13.

In 2012, she began working with the Cleveland Cavaliers’ broadcast team as a member of Fox Sports Ohio. It was in 2018 that she transitioned to her gig hosting Spectrum SportsNet’s Lakers pregame show. This set the stage for her groundbreaking achievement on Wednesday.

Clifton’s other accomplishments include co-hosting the “Road Trippin'” podcast alongside former Cavaliers players Richard Jefferson and Channing Frye. She began doing so in 2017 when she was still working with Cleveland.

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LeBron James commends Allie Clifton for historic achievement

Following the news of Allie Clifton becoming the first woman to call an LA game, Lakers superstar forward LeBron James took to X/Twitter to commend her.

“Super happy and proud @RealAClifton. So [fire],” James tweeted.

Notably, James was a member of the Cavaliers during Allie Clifton’s time with the team. The four-time MVP also joined the Lakers in 2018, the same year as Clifton. So, their careers have been intertwined in recent years.

James (ankle) sat out Wednesday’s contest against the Jazz, so he wasn’t on the court during Clifton’s first broadcast as a commentator. However, most would agree that the 39-year-old taking the time to publically recognize her was a nice gesture.

James has been known to be methodical with his social media behavior and doesn’t give shoutouts to just anyone.

So, not only did Clifton make history with arguably the NBA’s most storied franchise, but she also got recognized by debatably the greatest player ever.

It remains to be seen if she will be able to parlay her first-time experience into a full-time commentating job. Nonetheless, it was certainly a memorable night for the ascending media personality.

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