Caitlin Clark has become one of the most recognizable faces in sports, but even the WNBA superstar gets starstruck. During a recent podcast appearance, Clark opened up about meeting her childhood hero and how that relationship has shaped her approach to the game.
Why Does LeBron James Still Leave Clark Starstruck?
During her appearance on A Touch More With Sue Bird and Megan Rapinoe ahead of the All-Star Weekend, Clark revealed how LeBron James made her feel starstruck like no other athlete.
“The one person that like really like made me starstruck, probably was LeBron [James], because LeBron was the person that I grew up absolutely loving,” Clark said. “He was like my Michael Jordan because I was younger, and that’s the person that I always looked up to. So I’d say him, and Steph [Curry].”
Having her basketball idol notice her games and support her publicly represents something few athletes experience in their careers. James has never shied away from praising Clark’s milestones. He even advocated for Clark by pushing back against detractors, defending her as she navigated a tough first year in the league as a pro.
Clark understands how deep his influence runs. Not only has it given her support, but it has also shaped her values in the league. Like the King, Clark is fiercely competitive and isn’t shy about letting people know when things go wrong.
How Have James and Clark Shown Mutual Respect?
The admiration between James and Clark flows both ways. The Lakers legend has repeatedly celebrated the achievements of the WNBA sensation. Most recently, he supported her comeback in June after she missed two weeks of games due to her quad injury.
A delighted James took to X, celebrating CC’s comeback. He wrote, “The CC EFFECT!! WELCOME BACK! You were missed!”
Before the start of the 2024-25 season, James took to Instagram to wish Clark the best, sharing a heartwarming picture of the two together. “Good luck and DO YOU per usual this season!!!” the four-time NBA champion wrote.
Following this post, Clark delivered during Indiana’s season opener with her third-career triple-double in a blowout win over the Chicago Sky. James praised Clark for this performance on social media, which led to Clark calling him the “GOAT” while speaking to reporters. She said, “That’s one of my idols, LeBron is the GOAT to me.”
On an episode of his podcast series, Mind The Game, James credited Clark as the catalyst for positive change in women’s basketball. “Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are gonna happen for the WNBA.”
James drew parallels between Clark’s experience and his own early years in the league. “But for her individually, I don’t think she should get involved in anything that’s being said, just go have fun, enjoy. I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before, I’ve walked that road before… I’m glad that Caitlin has a great head on her shoulders.”
The relationship showcases genuine mutual admiration and respect between two generations of basketball excellence.
