Caitlin Clark shouts out Vanessa Bryant for sending her signature Kobe shoes for All-Star Weekend

Modified Jul 20, 2024 06:06 GMT

Caitlin Clark had a wholesome shoutout to Vanessa Bryant ahead of the WNBA 2024 All-Star Weekend. The Indiana Fever rookie received a pair of Kobe 6 PE Sneakers from Bryant and she debuted them during the All-Star practice on Friday. Clark earned her maiden All-Star selection amid her scintillating rookie year.

As for her deal with Nike, Clark inked an eight-year deal with the sports giant worth $28 million. Bryant had earlier revealed the design of the sneakers, which are a variation of the Kobe 6 Protros. Speaking to the media ahead of the ASG, the former Iowa Hawkeyes guard had rich words for Bryant.

"I'm a Kobe person, everybody knows that. Obviously to wear his shoes, what Vanessa and their family have done, and continue his legacy with his shoes and their whole foundation. It is incredible. I feel lucky to not only represent Nike, but their entire family."

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Throughout the 2024 WNBA regular season, Clark has shown her love for the Kobes by rocking the 'Bruce Lee' Kobe 5s, 'Grinch' Kobe 6, and the 'All-Star' Kobe 6s. As for the WNBA festivities, Caitlin Clark will next be seen sharing the floor with Angel Reese during the All-Star game on Saturday at the Footprint Center in Phoenix. Tip-off is slated for 8:30 p.m. ET.

Caitlin Clark called Kobe Bryant her inspiration after helping Indiana Fever win their first game this season

Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever did not have the greatest of starts to their 2024 WNBA campaign. But when they did win their first game in May, she had a rich tribute to the late Kobe Bryant and how he was an inspiration.

"I guess that's just the mentality you have to have as a competitor. It's just, you want those moments, you embrace those moments when your team needs a big shot. I was able to create a little separation and get the shot off. Would have been nice to hit a few more of those tonight, but we got the job done when we needed to."

On the season front, the Fever is one of the teams contending for a playoff spot this season. They entered the All-Star week with an 11-15 record and are placed seventh overall in the standings. They won five of their last 10 games to make up for the dismal start to the season, and Caitlin Clark spearheaded the offense with Aliyah Boston to put Indiana in position for a postseason berth.