LeBron James likens himself to Caitlin Clark days after rookie superstar got eliminated from the WNBA Playoffs
Shortly after Caitlin Clark, the rookie phenom, and the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs, LeBron James talked about the burden on her shoulders.
James, who was selected as the first overall pick in the draft, also chose to represent a team as its face. Additionally, the two brought winning cultures to previously unsuccessful teams.
James discussed his admiration for the former Iowa standout and offered his viewpoint on the criticism she encountered during her first campaign in an interview with Esquire.
“I have a lot of respect for Caitlin Clark because I understand exactly what it’s like to be selected in the draft, to represent a team, and to face criticism from many individuals who don’t think you’re ready for the next level, the major leagues, or just life in general.”
“I recall how many people had doubts about me and hoped and prayed that I wouldn’t succeed when I first joined the league at the age of eighteen,” James continued.
A few days after Caitlin Clark was eliminated from the playoffs, LeBron James compared himself to her.Caitlin Clark wins WNBA Rookie of the Year, but A’ja Wilson earns league MVP.
I have therefore been following Caitlin and what she’s doing, and I have supported her wholeheartedly since the beginning because I can relate to having gone through that. He went on, “She’s a transcendent player.” And it was evident to all of us at Iowa, so I felt it would carry over to the major leagues. She also possesses incredible talent. It’s fascinating to see.
Clark’s stardom reached new heights during her first year in the WNBA, having gained a lot of notoriety towards the end of her NCAA career. Her arrival also caused the WNBA’s attendance and viewership to soar to all-time highs.
Even though the Connecticut Sun, an accomplished club, defeated Indiana in the first round, Clark guided the team to its first postseason trip since 2016.
After missing out on MVP 153, Caitlin Clark wins WNBA Rookie of the Year. Watch MVP 153 now.
“Yes, pay attention, she possesses the vision and the spirit, and her infectious nature makes people want to play with her,” asserted James. It won’t be too long before they become a really strong team.
James has always been outspoken in his support of Clark. Following his career-high 31 points and 12 assists in Indiana’s last regular-season game against the Chicago Sky and Angel Reese in August, the youngster took to social media to confront Clark’s “haters.”
James attributed Clark’s popularity to the WNBA’s surge to mainstream recognition at the beginning of the league’s season.
“The one thing she’s bringing to her sport that I really admire is that more people want to watch.” More people desire to pay attention. It was the first time I noticed they had a hired aircraft. They flew private for the first time in their league’s existence. He stated, “That should be recognised in and of itself,” back in May on his podcast, “Mind the Game.”
That’s something to be happy about, and Caitlin Clark is the reason for it. Do not misunderstand. Get it f***** up, please. A lot of fantastic things are going to happen for the WNBA because of Caitlin Clark.
