Painful Departure: LSU Women’s Basketball Loose Another Top Key Starter Due To

LSU Star Flau’Jae Johnson Sidelined but Expected for NCAA Tournament

LSU guard Flau’Jae Johnson has been dealing with a lower-body injury but is expected to return in time for the NCAA Tournament later this month. The All-SEC First-Team selection missed the 2025 SEC Tournament while recovering from a shin injury, a precautionary move by head coach Kim Mulkey.

Johnson was also absent for LSU’s regular-season finale against Ole Miss, where she was seen wearing a walking boot before the game. Mulkey explained her decision to rest Johnson, emphasizing that while medical staff did not mandate her to sit out, she encouraged Johnson to take time off to heal.

“I sat Flau’Jae,” Mulkey stated following the game. “The doctor didn’t tell her she had to sit. The trainer didn’t tell her she had to sit. This started before the Texas game, and I encouraged her to sit then.”

Mulkey elaborated on the severity of shin injuries, noting their impact on a player’s ability to perform at a high level. “When your shins are hurting, it’s like your feet and your back. When they are in pain, you cannot mentally perform. I don’t care how tough you are or how much pain tolerance you have—it affects you.”

Despite missing time, Johnson remained active on the bench, engaging with teammates and offering encouragement. ESPN’s Holly Rowe reported that Johnson had been undergoing red light therapy in the sauna as part of her rehabilitation efforts to reduce inflammation.

Mulkey has reassured fans that Johnson will be ready for the NCAA Tournament, confirming that the team will be at full strength for the first round.

Johnson has had an outstanding season, emerging as LSU’s leading scorer with 18.9 points per game, an increase from 14.9 points last year. She has also contributed significantly on the boards, recording four double-doubles. Additionally, she has four games this season with at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists, placing her among an elite group of LSU players over the past 25 years.

With Johnson expected to return, the Tigers will look to make a deep postseason run as they aim to defend their national title.