"Can’t even comment lyrics": Rickea Jackson clears the air on 'tampering' Paige Bueckers to LA Sparks

In her first WNBA season, Rickea Jackson found herself on the team with the league's worst record. Following a recent interaction with a future top prospect, she is now being accused of tampering.

Looking ahead to the 2025 WNBA Draft, Paige Bueckers is expected to be the No. 1 pick. The UConn guard was in LA last weekend to take in some NFL action.

Among those to comment on her post was Jackson, which resulted in a fan accusing her of trying to tamper.

Another fan ended up coming to Rickea Jackson's defense, stating that she was merely quoting song lyrics. The LA Sparks guard ended up re-posting the remark to fully set the record straight.

"I literally was. Like what??? 'LALALALA wait til I get my money righttttt'. Can’t even comment lyrics on people stuff no mo. Smh."

The accusation itself was a stretch to begin with, as Bueckers will have to go through the draft. Since she has no say in what team selects her, no tampering can happen between players.

As for Jackson, she is coming off an impressive first year in the pros. After being drafted fourth overall in 2024, she went on to average 13.4 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.5 assists. With Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese garnering most of the attention, Jackson was widely viewed as one of the most underrated rookies this season.

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Rickea Jackson and Paige Bueckers could end up being teammates

One reason why fans might be accusing Rickea Jackson of tampering is because she and Paige Bueckers could end up being teammates. After finishing at the bottom of the standings, the LA Sparks are going to be in the running for the No. 1 pick in 2025.

The Sparks went 8-32 in the regular season, finishing in 12th place. Nearby was the Dallas Wings, who went 9-31. Another group that needs to be mentioned is the upcoming expansion team, the Golden State Valkyries.

In December, the WNBA will conduct an expansion draft for the Valkyries to fill out their roster. After that, they'll have an opportunity to add players via the draft. As of now, it is unknown when Golden State will be selecting. The last time an expansion team entered the draft (2008), the Atlanta Dream picked eighth overall.

Paige Bueckers at the Final Four - Source: Getty

The Sparks have had good luck in the draft recently, selecting second and fourth in 2024. They walked away with a pair of interesting prospects in Cameron Brink and Rickea Jackson. Now, they'll be entering the Bueckers sweepstakes.

Heading into the 2025 season, Bueckers is expected to be one of the top players in women's college basketball. She is coming off a senior season where she averaged 21.9 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.8 assists, and 2.2 steals.