The LSU women’s basketball team, under head coach **Kim Mulkey**, has hit a rough patch to start the 2026 Southeastern Conference (SEC) schedule, compounded by concerning injury news surrounding star senior guard **Flau’jae Johnson**.
The Tigers entered conference play undefeated at 14-0, riding a wave of dominance that included multiple 100-point outbursts in non-conference action. However, 2026 has brought immediate turbulence, with back-to-back losses to top-tier opponents: an 80-78 heartbreaker at home to No. 12 Kentucky on January 1, followed by a 65-61 road defeat to No. 7 Vanderbilt on January 4 (then ranked No. 11). These marked LSU’s first 0-2 start to SEC play under Mulkey, a rare stumble for a program accustomed to early dominance.
The Vanderbilt loss highlighted mounting issues, including a season-high 22 turnovers that led to 15 points for the Commodores, inconsistent rebounding (despite a positive overall margin), and defensive lapses. Mulkey has emphasized the need for better toughness, rebounding, and ball security as the Tigers face one of the league’s most grueling stretches.
Compounding the team’s woes is the status of **Flau’jae Johnson**, LSU’s unquestioned leader and a key perimeter threat averaging around 14-15 points per game this season. In the Vanderbilt game, Johnson went scoreless for just the second time in her career (0-for-4 in 19 minutes), marking a dramatic drop-off after the 19-minute mark. She briefly left the court for trainers to retape her ankle after rolling it while contesting a shot.
Postgame, Mulkey addressed the issue candidly:
> “Would love to make an excuse for Flau’Jae, I don’t know the extent of the ankle, but yes, she came out, and did they retape it or something like that? But, I don’t know how bad it is.”
She confirmed the injury contributed to Johnson’s uncharacteristic performance, refusing to fully blame her star while noting the clear impact.
Further updates came during Mulkey’s weekly radio appearance ahead of the January 8 road game at Georgia. She revealed Johnson was dealing with a **swollen/puffy ankle** and described it as “nothing serious,” but emphasized caution:
> “It’s nothing serious other than a puffy ankle… We have to prepare as if she’s not going to play, but I’m sure Flau’jae will do everything she can to get out there because she’s going back home [to Georgia].”
Johnson was listed as **probable** on the SEC availability report and ultimately played, delivering a bounce-back performance with a season-high 25 points (including a strong fourth quarter) in an 80-59 road win over Georgia. This snapped the 0-2 skid and provided a much-needed confidence boost, with Johnson leading the charge alongside contributors like MiLaysia Fulwiley and Mikaylah Williams.
The injury scare, however, underscores vulnerability for a team reliant on Johnson’s scoring, leadership, and versatility. As a senior in her final college season, Johnson’s health remains critical amid a demanding SEC slate that includes upcoming matchups against ranked foes like Texas.
Mulkey has downplayed panic, stressing that January setbacks are part of the grind:
> “The sky is not falling… We’re going to be OK. It is January. It’s the beginning of January. We got a lot of basketball to play.”
With Johnson showing resilience in the Georgia win, LSU (now 15-2, 1-2 SEC) aims to regain momentum. The early trouble—marked by the 0-2 slide and the ankle concern—serves as a wake-up call for a talented squad still projected as a top contender. The Tigers’ ability to manage Johnson’s workload and address execution flaws will determine how far they go in a stacked conference and beyond. Fans in Baton Rouge remain optimistic that this is just a temporary bump on the road to another deep postseason run. Geaux Tigers!
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