"I'm minding the business that pays me" - Angel Reese claps back at criticism against her absence from WNBA All-Star Orange Carpet

Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese clapped back at a fan who mocked her for not attending the WNBA Orange Carpet in Phoenix on Thursday. As part of the All-Star Game festivities, players, featuring in Saturday's marquee game, arrived in style and posed for pictures during the Orange Carpet event.

WNBA stars Caitlin Clark, A'ja Wilson, Sabrina lonescu and Breanna Stewart turned heads with their stylish outfits during the event. While all the big names of the WNBA were in Phoenix, Sky rookie Reese was absent from the event.

Angel Reese is part of Team WNBA and will be in action during Saturday's All-Star Game. Yet, the 22-year-old missed the Orange Carpet event, which came as a surprise and even left several fans frustrated.

Instead of attending the WNBA event, Reese was spotted courtside during the NBA Summer League game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Houston Rockets in Las Vegas.

A fan lashed out at Reese's decision to skip the All-Star event for a Summer League game.

"Angel just pissed me off. Your first all star event as a rookie and you still in vegas at a f*****g summer league game?????? good f*****g night man," wrote a fan on X.

(Credit: Screenshot/X)

Reese clapped back with an interesting reply.

"It’s ok babe. I’m minding the business that PAYS me," replied Reese.

Reese showed up for a Summer League game for the second time this season. Earlier, Reese was courtside for the LA Lakers' game against the Boston Celtics on July 15 along with reigning NBA Finals MVP Jaylen Brown and ex-teammate Kysre Gondrezick.

Angel Reese to team up with Caitlin Clark

The upcoming WNBA All-Star game will be between Team USA and Team WNBA. Team USA comprises players selected for the Paris Olympics while Team WNBA consists of 12 All-Stars not part of the Summer Games roster.

Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark are part of Team WNBA and the duo will play as teammates for the first time. The Indiana Fever rookie Clark is looking forward to teaming up with Reese.

"Yeah, I am very excited. I think it's cool," Clark said. "It is rare to have two rookies in the All-Star game, so just enjoy that. Obviously the fans are super excited about it. I think it's just really good for the W (women's basketball)."

"She is having an incredible year so it's going to be incredibly fun. She is probably going to lead the game in rebounds. I expect that out of there because that's what she does," she added.

The 2024 WNBA All-Star game will tip-off at 8:30 p.m. ET (5:30 p.m. PT) at the Footprint Center in Phoenix on Saturday.