Fans Outraged By Diana Taurasi's Nickname Given To Her By Kobe Bryant

There are plenty of new eyes on the WNBA this season thanks to the emergence of stars like Caitlin Clark, Angel Reese, and Cameron Brink but those fans have some catching up to do.

After the Phoenix Mercury posted a picture of WNBA legend Diana Taurasi with the caption "the white mamba" many fans replied in confusion. Unbeknownst to them, it was a nickname given to her by the late Kobe Bryant aka the "Black Mamba".

There were far too many responses by "fans" clearly not aware that the nickname was not self-proclaimed or just some social media manager trying to be edgy. Believe it or not, there were dozens of posts from people saying that former NBA player Brian Scalabrine is the real "White Mamba."

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While the former Bulls and Celtics fan favorite is also known for being called that, he was given that nickname by his teammate Paul Pierce. Something that does in fact have a bit less meaning than Bryant tabbing someone else as having the same mindset as himself.

Taurasi has been the subject of a lot of criticism by newer WNBA fans for the way she has discussed rising star Caitlin Clark. Taurasi made it known that there would be somewhat of a learning curve for Clark who was the No. 1 pick in April's WNBA draft, and many fans have interpreted that as her being unwelcoming to the new face of the league.

Clark and Taurasi will face off for the first time on June 30 as the Mercury will welcome the Fever to town. It will certainly be a game that draws a lot of eyes, but in the meantime, fans will have a chance to catch up on what they have been missing out on. Something that the Mercury hinted at in a social media post on Monday.