NBA great LeBron James recently shared his admiration for Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark, emphasizing that he can understand the pressure the young WNBA star has experienced in her debut season as a professional athlete.
In a recent interview with “Esquire”, James, a four-time NBA champion, offered insights into the challenges and scrutiny Clark has faced throughout the season, highlighting his unwavering support for the former Iowa standout.
Caitlin Clark, #22 of the Indiana Fever, celebrates during the game against the Los Angeles Sparks on May 24, 2024, at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)
“I have a great deal of respect for Caitlin Clark, because I know exactly what it means to be drafted, be the face of a franchise, and also get the scrutiny from a lot of people that don’t believe you’re ready for the next jump, don’t believe you’re ready for the big leagues, and just don’t think that you belong.”
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James expressed his steadfast support for Clark, drawing parallels between her journey and his own experiences as a young athlete in the spotlight.
“I remember that when I came into the league at eighteen years old how many people doubted me and hoped and prayed that I’d fail. And so, me watching Caitlin and seeing what she’s doing, I’ve been in support of her since day one, because I remember myself going through that, and she has my support 100 percent. She’s a transcendent player. And obviously, we all saw that at Iowa, and I knew that it would translate to the big leagues. And she’s an unbelievable talent. It’s great to watch.”
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) reacts after scoring on a fast break layup against the Atlanta Hawks at Crypto.com Arena on March 18, 2024 in Los Angeles, California. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
LEBRON JAMES ADDRESSES CAITLIN CLARK CRITICS WITH FOUR-WORD MESSAGE AFTER CAREER NIGHT
Clark’s impactful rookie season in the WNBA has propelled her to stardom, with record-breaking performances and a surge in fan interest. Furthermore, the Indiana Fever’s playoff appearance marked a significant turnaround for the team after the All-Star break.
“Yeah, listen, she has the vision, she has the spirit, she’s infectious, people want to play with her,” James further commented. “They’re going to be a really good team, and not too long from now.”
Throughout the season, James has been steadfast in his support for Clark, including a public acknowledgment of her exceptional performance following a game against the Chicago Sky.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) celebrates after a three-point basket against the Dallas Wings in the first half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
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At the beginning of the season, James also attributed the WNBA’s increased popularity to Clark, recognizing her influence on the league and its growth.
“The one thing that I love that she’s bringing to her sport: more people want to watch. More people want to tune in. I saw, for the first time, they had a chartered plane. For the first time in their league history, they flew private. That should be celebrated in its own right,” he mentioned on his podcast “Mind the Game” earlier this year.
“That should be celebrated, and it’s because of Caitlin Clark. Don’t get it twisted. Don’t get it f—ed up. Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are going to happen for the WNBA.”
The Fever’s playoff journey concluded prematurely with a first-round exit against the Connecticut Sun.
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