Lakers star LeBron James said he’s “rooting” for Caitlin Clark and reminded critics that basketball “is still a team game.”
The Indiana Fever are off to a rocky start during the Caitlin Clark era. With a two-point loss to the Seattle Storm on Wednesday, the team finds itself winless in 5 games.
Clark though, remains in the league’s top 15 for points and top 10 for assists per game.
James points out that it takes more than one star, one stat machine to win games, however.
“People need to realize, the Indiana Fever — this is the second year in a row they had the No. 1 pick. Do y’all know what that means?” he asked on his podcast “Mind the Game” with J.J. Redick.
“That means they’re not that good.”
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LeBron James ‘Rooting’ For Caitlin Clark
LeBron James expressed a level of understanding for what Caitlin Clark is enduring as a WNBA phenom. He was in these very same sneakers himself at one point.
In his rookie season, the Cavaliers lost their first 5 games before notching a win against the Washington Wizards.
“I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before. I’ve walked that road before,” he said. “I hope she kills.”
James added that he hopes “Aliyah Boston does amazing. I hope they do great.”
Boston was the first overall pick in the 2023 WNBA draft by the Indiana Fever. Her statistics have dropped significantly so far this season.
"Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things is going to happen for the WNBA… I'm rooting for Caitlin because I've been in that seat before."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 22, 2024
LeBron James on the outside noise surrounding Clark to start her pro career.
(via @mindthegamepod)pic.twitter.com/Rbin8nmyqR
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LeBron Supports Bronny Too
Aside from supporting Caitlin Clark, LeBron James also took a jab at critics of his son Bronny.
“I’m getting the same thing from watching my son, who is a 19-year-old, getting a lot of animosity and hatred towards him when he’s just a kid trying to live out his dream,” he said.
Bronny recently lamented some of the negativity being lobbed in his direction, suggesting “it’s tough” being LeBron’s son because “a lot of criticism gets thrown my way.”
“There’s a very small number of men and women that actually get to live out their dream of playing the professional sport, and we have grown a– men and women out here doing whatever they can to make sure that doesn’t happen,” LeBron says.
As for Clark, the elder James sees nothing but greatness ahead for her and the league.
“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,” he said indicating she’ll be able to handle any detractors.
“I’m glad that Caitlin has a great head on her shoulders.”
Clark and the Fever will lace ’em up and try again when they face the Los Angeles Sparks on Friday. Perhaps, just like James did in his 6th game in the NBA, Caitlin and Indiana will finally break the ice.
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