Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James had a notable reaction to Indiana Fever and WNBA star Caitlin Clark’s response to what James sacrificed while recovering from injury.
James missed time due to sciatica and said he gave up cookies and wine to improve his health. Clark reportedly remarked that she could not do the same. James said he appreciated Clark’s comments.
Lakers’ LeBron James Responds to Caitlin Clark Comment
James acknowledged Clark’s remarks, in which she said giving up wine and cookies was something she could not envision. “I’d rather retire than do this. This is why he’s him,” Clark posted on social media.
Following the Lakers’ 125-122 win over the Los Angeles Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on Friday night, James discussed the role of discipline in his routine.
“When it started, I don’t know, but it’s been there for quite a while,” James said. “She’s disciplined as well, and I guarantee if she had to give up something in order to get back on the floor, she’d do it as well. It’s part of my make-up to know that I can lock out things and lock in. You know, that was one of the moments to take things out that I love.”
📲| LeBron on seeing Caitlin Clark’s comment:
“I saw that — Um, but she’s disciplined as well. And I guarantee if she had to give up something in order to get her back on the floor, she’d do it as well.” pic.twitter.com/2VhNrcAtNz
— cc ✧˙˖ (@clarkmode_) February 21, 2026
James added that he wanted to give his body the best possible chance to recover from the sciatica issue.
Clark missed most of the 2025 WNBA season with the Fever while dealing with injuries, including a left quad strain, a left groin injury, and a left ankle bone bruise. Her season ended in July 2025. She is expected to be ready to play with Team USA in March 2026.
She is a two-time WNBA All-Star, the 2024 WNBA Rookie of the Year, a 2024 All-WNBA First Team selection, and the league’s assists leader that season. She was also the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft. Her signature shoe line with Nike, the same company behind James’ iconic sneaker brand, is set to launch soon.
James is averaging 21.7 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 7.2 assists per game this season with the Lakers. He also recorded a triple-double before the All-Star break, becoming the oldest NBA player at 41 to achieve the feat in a regular-season game.
James indicated he will continue to follow Clark’s progress during the upcoming season.
