LeBron James dubs Caitlin Clark 'transcendent' after noting similarities between their rookie debuts: "She has my support 100 percent"
LeBron James has been a big supporter of Caitlin Clark even when she was still playing for the Iowa Hawkeyes in college. The LA Lakers superstar backed the Indiana Fever rookie amid criticism and alleged hate and jealousy from veteran WNBA players. James even shared a post of Caitlin Clark’s superb game against the Chicago Sky late in August to silence her critics.
In a chat with Esquire following the launch of James’ partnership with Hennessy, the four-time NBA MVP opened up more about his thoughts regarding Clark. Here’s what he had to say when asked to comment about the All-Star point guard’s rookie campaign:
"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."
"And 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. 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."
LeBron James’ support of Caitlin Clark became even more apparent following the highly anticipated Sky-Fever game in late August. With playoff spots at stake and the Rookie of the Year race heating, Clark arguably played her best game of the season.
James went on X, formerly Twitter, to take a shot at Clark’s doubters, critics and trollers:
“CAITLIN CLARK!!!!! HI HATERS”
Like James, Clark was considered a franchise savior when she entered the pros. The Indiana Fever had not been to the playoffs since 2016 before the point guard changed that this year. The rookie made the All-Star team and set various team and league records.
LeBron James described himself when explaining Caitlin Clark’s game and impact
Caitlin Clark is the NCAA all-time career points leader in men’s and women’s basketball. Although she is a highly touted scorer, it has been her playmaking that has caught the eyes of fans and basketball analysts. Clark finished her rookie season with 337 assists, the most in a single season in WNBA history.
When asked about Clark’s playmaking and impact, LeBron James practically described himself:
“Yeah, listen, she has the vision, she has the spirit, she’s infectious, people want to play with her. They’re going to be a really good team, and not too long from now.”
James’ passing, despite being the NBA’s career points leader, is perhaps his best skill. Even when criticized for passing up shots to open teammates, the four-time champ rarely hesitates to make the right play.
Like Clark, LeBron James is followed by a large crowd almost everywhere he goes. He is the oldest player in the NBA but he arguably remains the face of the league.
Caitlin Clark just finished a historic rookie campaign and has a trajectory that could follow LeBron James’ legendary career.