Caitlin Clark and her Indiana Fever squad fell just short of getting their first win of the 2024 season against the Seattle Storm last night. Having begun the season 0-5, the Fever are in last place in the league.
If you watch any sports media or partake in WNBA Twitter, you understand that Clark, who came into the WNBA facing scrutiny and high expectations, is on the receiving end of some serious pressure.
While NBA legend LeBron James is at the end rather than the start of his pro career, he can relate. And in a new episode of his “Mind the Game” podcast with J.J. Redick, the Los Angeles Lakers star voiced his admiration and support for Clark.
As someone who knows what it’s like to turn pro with the weight of expectations, he noted a sense of kinship and understanding of the pressures that Clark now faces.
LeBron’s Words of Encouragement
There is probably no one in the world who is more qualified to give a take on the pressure Caitlin Clark faces than LeBron James. Now widely recognized as one of the best players in NBA history, he too was once a young rookie with scores of analyzing his every move. So, yeah, he gets it.
Here’s the advice he shared for Clark as she adjusts to the pro level:
“My advice to Caitlin, and my advice to anyone that comes in with this level of notoriety, out-of-this-world expectation, whatever the case may be, be a horse, man,” James said. “The Kentucky Derby. Put your blinders on, go to work, show up to work, punch your clock in, prepare yourself, work on your game, work on your craft.
“Kind of keep your mouth shut and just learn from the vets. When they ask, voice your opinion if they want your opinion early on because everybody is looking for you to say anything and they’re gonna splice it and cut it and make it a negative thing.
“The one thing I love that she’s bringing to her sport: More people want to watch. More people want to tune in. … Don’t get it twisted, don’t get it f**ked up. Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things is gonna happen for the WNBA. … I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before. I’ve walked that road before. I hope she kills.”
Like James did during his early years, Clark now captivates fans as a young player. They both have the scoring ability, vision, and versatile skillset that make watching them play fun. And both athletes have had to navigate the pressures of living up to their potential while adjusting to a new level of competition. So, given his own experience and accolades, James’ words carry weight.
He also suggested that there are some rooting against Clark:
“There’s a very small number of men and women that actually get to live out their dream of playing a professional sport,” James added. “And we have grown a** men and women out here doing whatever they can to try and make sure that does not happen. That is the weirdest thing in the world, but it is what it is and I’m glad that Caitlin has a great head on her shoulders.”
Clark tallied 21 points, 7 assists, and 7 rebounds in last night’s Indiana Fever loss to the Seattle Storm. She told Holly Rowe of ESPN after the game that she’s focused on staying the course and remaining positive after another close loss.
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Featured image sources the following photos:
- LeBron James photo: By Erik Drost – https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrost88/51959977144/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=131408908
- Caitlin Clark photo: By Erik Drost – https://www.flickr.com/photos/edrost88/53647284435/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=147299351
