Alanna Smith has found something rare in the WNBA: stability, trust, and a system built for her success. Now in her second season with the Minnesota Lynx, Smith has emerged as one of the league’s top two-way forwards, anchoring a defense that helped push the Lynx to the 2024 WNBA Finals — and positioning them for another run in 2025.
“It just felt like coming back home to family,” Smith told RG. “Playing with people that care about you as a player on and off the court. … You can’t really ask for much more.”
Smith’s path to becoming a cornerstone in Minnesota wasn’t straightforward. She entered the WNBA as the No. 8 overall pick by the Phoenix Mercury in 2019 but struggled for a consistent role behind veterans like Brittney Griner. She dealt with an early ankle injury, landed in Indiana in 2022, and was waived after only nine games.
It wasn’t until 2023 with the Chicago Sky that Smith found her footing. She started 35 games, averaged career highs in nearly every category, and finished third in Most Improved Player voting. That breakout led to a fully guaranteed two-year deal with the Lynx — a contract she has more than lived up to.
During Minnesota’s 2024 Finals run, Smith averaged 8.8 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while shooting 52% from the field and 41.2% from deep. She’s continued that momentum into 2025, averaging a career-best 12.3 points while adding 4.0 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.5 steals, and 1.5 blocks per game.
As the Lynx eye another title, Smith is quietly becoming one of the most efficient and dependable players in the league. While she’ll be a free agent in 2026, her fit in Minnesota — and the culture that has embraced her — could be the deciding factor.
Alanna Smith’s Defensive Versatility and Leadership
Smith has solidified herself as a defensive anchor for the Lynx, excelling in communication, help defense, and switching—key elements of Minnesota’s identity under head coach Cheryl Reeve. Her ability to guard multiple positions, protect the rim, and rotate effectively has been central to one of the league’s most disciplined defensive units.
“There’s a couple of us that are the anchors of our defense, especially in help-side,” Smith said. “That’s usually me. We’re a team that helps a lot, and being able to provide that every single game without fail is what’s most important. Everyone knows their roles defensively and does it every game, which is really cool.”
Beyond statistics, Smith’s vocal presence and reliability have helped shape the Lynx’s defensive identity. Her awareness has allowed Minnesota to operate with flexibility in its schemes, including matchup-based switches and aggressive rotations, without sacrificing discipline.
Minnesota Lynx Culture and Chemistry
Beyond her two-way play, Smith says the team’s culture is what’s made the biggest difference. She’s praised the Lynx’s unselfishness and the authentic relationships that have developed since her arrival.
“Every single person involved with the Lynx is great,” she said. “I’ve had no issues, and I genuinely enjoy being around the team and staff. And it’s great basketball as well—you can’t really ask for much more.”
Smith also highlighted the impact of players like Bridget Carleton — teammates who make winning plays that often go unnoticed. “Her game is quiet, but it has so much impact,” Smith said. “Time and time again, it’s her doing those little things that change the game—but you don’t see it reflected on the stat sheet.”
That shared mentality — built on trust, communication, and shared responsibility — has fueled Minnesota’s rise back into championship contention.
A Journey Marked by Growth
Smith was instrumental in the Lynx’s 2024 Finals run, where the team fell to the New York Liberty in a five-game series. The loss, decided on a controversial no-call in the closing seconds of Game 5, still lingers, but the experience has galvanized the group.
“We talked about it before this season even started—the journey we were on last year,” Smith said. “Every game was a battle. But we’ve got a lot of the same players back, and that experience is so valuable.”
Now in the final year of her deal, Smith is on track to be one of the league’s top free agents in 2026. But based on her comments and her fit within Minnesota’s system, the Lynx appear to be more than just a stop on her career path — they may be her long-term home.
“As a player, you always want to be in a position where your game speaks for itself,” Smith said. “That’s all I’ve tried to do.”
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