LSU Lady Tigers head coach Kim Mulkey and forward Angel Reese. Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Angel Reese returned to LSU’s basketball team this week after a prolonged, mysterious absence.

In her first game back, Reese put up 19 points and nine rebounds in No. 7 LSU’s 82-64 victory over No. 9 Virginia Tech. On the minds of many was Reese’s absence, why she returned and her relationship with LSU head coach Kim Mulkey.

After the game, Reese spoke with reporters on the matter, via ESPN's Katie Barnes. Reese chalked up her absence to “resetting and refocusing.” She then cited her mental health as a reason why she needed to step away.

“My mental health is the most important thing before anything, and I’m going to make sure I’m OK before anything because I don’t want to cause anything, harm, or any cancer in the locker room,” Reese said.

“… I’m back and I’m happy and I’m here and I’m moving forward and I’m going to help take this team as far as I can.”

Reese then elaborated on her current relationship with Mulkey.

“You need a Kim Mulkey in your life,” she said. “I’m going to say that today, tomorrow, next year, until the day I die.” Clearly Reese and Mulkey are in a good place relationship-wise, and that is great news for LSU’s basketball program.

More must-reads:

TODAY'S BEST
Yankees icon respects Juan Soto holding out for free agency
Kyrie Irving praises Karl-Anthony Towns for overcoming 'unfair criticism' in Game 4
Cardinals star addresses struggles: 'I don't know what the answers are'
Manchester United star taking break from social media after challenging season
Jets HC explains how former Pro Bowl RB could help team
What Anthony Edwards told Cowboys star after Game 4 win
Bronny James' agent provides huge update on client's future
Report: Lincoln Riley tried to get USC out of facing one opponent
Watch: Stephen Curry analyzes Patrick Mahomes' high school basketball film
Anthony Edwards channeled inner Michael Jordan after Game 4
Anthony Edwards backs up talk to keep Timberwolves alive in WCF
Championship-winning NASCAR team to shut down after 2024 season
Three takeaways as Panthers tie Eastern Conference Final vs. Rangers
Texans sign young offensive star to huge contract extension
Aaron Boone comes to the defense of retired umpire Angel Hernandez
Negro League legend finally getting his due as MLB merges stats
Several key players withdraw from NBA Draft
Tyrese Haliburton ready to take active role in retaining Pascal Siakam
Mets stars reportedly had emotional reaction to firing of Buck Showalter
NHL announces 2024 King Clancy Memorial Trophy winner

Want more sports news?

Join the hundreds of thousands of fans who start their day with Yardbarker's Morning Bark, the best newsletter in sports.