"I can only be an assistant coach": Flau'jae Johnson explains why she doesn't see herself as a head coach

It's understandable for basketball players to realize that possibly becoming a head coach in the future is not for them. Flau'jae Johnson, for one, believes this to be the case.

Johnson revealed her stance in an episode of the "Best of Both Worlds with Flau'jae Johnson" podcast uploaded to YouTube on Thursday. Alongside guest Last-Tear Poa, the LSU Tigers star discussed Poa's journey from Aussie ball to winning a natty, her time with Coach Mulkey and teammates like Johnson, and the struggle for international players with NIL, among others.

As for Flau'jae Johnson, she answered questions from fans. One of them asked her about the best way to lead people, but she didn't have a definitive answer for one reason.

"I'm still learning how to lead," Johnson said. "I can't give you a clear opinion, because it's so hard, especially on the team, because you're trying to lead 15 different people, right? And 15 different people learn 15 different ways."

"So I think that's like an ever-growing type of thing. That's why I know I can't be a coach. I can only be like an assistant coach or something, like I couldn't do what Coach Mulkey does."

Flau'jae Johnson reveals her basketball role model

Flau'Jae Johnson #4 of the LSU Tigers scores a layup during a game. (Credits: Getty)

Basketball players have their role models in life that inspire them to play the game. Flau'jae Johnson was no different, as she was named a future NBA Hall of Famer.

In an interview with CNBC Sports Business, Johnson admitted that her role model is Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James because of the way he conducts himself on and off the court.

“He's (LeBron) the ultimate businessman. The way that he leverages his business opportunities, the way he carries himself, and he's done so many things [like building a school] to help other people,” Johnson said.

The LSU star averages 20.9 points, six rebounds and 3.1 assists on 51.9 percent shooting from the field and 41.8 percent from beyond the arc. She has been significant for an LSU offense that has combined to average 93.3 points per game, leading to a 14-0 record.

Flau'jae Johnson and No. 5 LSU will close out 2024 with a home matchup against Albany at the Pete Maravich Assembly Center on Dec. 29 at 2 p.m. ET.