Jewell Loyd ready to make immediate impact as Aces' newest player 

Las Vegas Aces guard Tiffany Hayes (15) and Seattle Storm guard Jewell Loyd (24) fight for the ball during the first half of an WNBA basketball game at Michelob Ultra Arena in Mandalay Bay Wednesday, June 19, 2024, in Las Vegas. Photo by Steve Marcus

Jewell Loyd thinks of Kobe Bryant whenever she's inside Michelob Ultra Arena.

While Bryant spent his career with the Lakers in Los Angeles and Loyd played for the Seattle Storm for the first 10 years of her career, she had her last interaction with Bryant in Las Vegas before he died in helicopter crash in 2020.

"It means so much to me to play in that gym and that arena," Loyd said. "To have that sense of spirit and Mamba mentality still living in that gym means a lot." 

Loyd grew up idolizing Bryant and dedicated the Storm's 2020 WNBA Championship to him and his daughter Gigi, who also died in the crash.

Loyd was traded to the Las Vegas Aces on Jan. 26 in a three-way deal that sent Kelsey Plum to the Los Angeles Sparks.

The deal set the WNBA world on fire. Loyd and Plum were franchise players, earning multiple accolades over lengthy careers and winning numerous championships.

The Storm also acquired Li Yueru from the Sparks, and the Aces picked up a first-round pick in the 2026 WNBA Draft.

When Loyd spoke to Las Vegas media Saturday for the first time since the trade, she pointed to the smile on her face. Without words, she wanted to emphasize just how happy she was to be with the Aces.

"I had a smile for a reason," Loyd said. "I'm super excited to be part of an organization with a winning culture, off and on the court. This roster and everything about it says excellence to me."

"I'm just ready to get to work and share my gifts with you guys, the team, the fans, the city, and continue to build on what they already have going on,” she said.

Loyd predicted the next 10 years of her career would be her best.

In the past decade, she's been a six-time WNBA All-Star, led the league in scoring, was an All-WNBA first-team selection and won the WNBA Championship and Olympic gold medals twice.

She said she is confident she take her game to another level in Las Vegas.

"I'm so excited to be a part of an organization that's going to challenge me in different ways," Loyd said. "I feel like this is going to be the next challenge for me to get outside my comfort zone a little bit."

Loyd has been in Miami competing in the Unrivaled 3-on-3 league with Mist B.C., so she hasn't had much time to adjust to her new home. However, she has been in regular communication with Aces coach Becky Hammon.

Aces president Nikki Fargas emphasized how closely Loyd aligns with the team's identity. 

"She's a competitor," Fargas said. "We know Jewell is going to make an immediate impact, and we can't wait to see her on that first day that we put that ball in motion."

Loyd will make her Aces debut May 17 in New York against the Liberty. She plays in Michelob Ultra Arena for the first time as an Ace on May 23 against the Washington Mystics and returns to Seattle the following game on May 25.