Caitlin Clark, the WNBA’s breakout star and former Iowa Hawkeyes sensation, has drawn a poignant parallel between her journey and that of NBA legend LeBron James. In a recent clip from the docuseries “Full Court Press,” Clark reflects on the immense pressure James faced as a hyped-up prospect entering the NBA straight out of high school in 2003.
Now, more than two decades later, Clark finds herself in a similar spotlight, having been one of the most anticipated prospects in women’s basketball history.
Caitlin Clark Reflects on LeBron James’ Shoulders of Pressure
In a recent X post that captures a moment from Full Court Press — a four-episode docuseries produced by Peyton Manning’s Omaha Productions — the series premiered on ABC on May 11 and 12, 2024, and later became available on ESPN Plus.
Caitlin praises LeBron James
“LeBron is the greatest basketball player of all time…he had all these expectations coming out of high school…That’s a lot to take on your shoulders…and it’s incredible what he’s done for the game of basketball and the way he’s carried himself.” pic.twitter.com/ysGoqGeAuZ
— correlation (@nosyone4) April 8, 2025
In the clip, Clark praises James, stating, “LeBron is the greatest basketball player of all time…he had all these expectations coming out of high school…That’s a lot to take on your shoulders…and it’s incredible what he’s done for the game of basketball and the way he’s carried himself.”
The scene highlights Clark’s admiration for James’ ability to thrive under scrutiny — pressure she’s now navigating as a rookie in the WNBA.
Clark’s journey mirrors James’ in several ways. When James entered the NBA at 18 years old, he was dubbed “The Chosen One,” carrying the weight of expectations to become the next Michael Jordan.
A similar situation surrounds Clark. The NCAA’s all-time leading scorer arrived in the WNBA in 2024 with unprecedented hype after shattering records and drawing national attention to women’s basketball. In her rookie season with the Indiana Fever, she averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 8.4 assists per game.
James himself has acknowledged the comparison. In a May 2024 episode of his podcast “Mind the Game” with JJ Redick, he defended Clark against critics, saying, “Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are gonna happen for the WNBA… I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before.”
James’ Struggles Echo in Clark’s Rise
James’ early career was a lesson in handling pressure. Drafted No. 1 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003, he faced constant skepticism about whether he could live up to the hype. James quickly silenced doubters with his performance on the court.
Clark’s own path has been just as closely watched. Her 2023–24 NCAA season, chronicled in Full Court Press, saw her lead Iowa to the Final Four, upsetting South Carolina before falling to LSU in the national championship game. The docuseries captures her navigating that pressure, much like James did two decades earlier.
Since entering the WNBA, Clark has broken multiple records. But every move — on and off the court — has been analyzed as part of her impact on the league’s visibility.
Clark’s journey mirrors James’ early career, with both athletes navigating immense expectations and media scrutiny. Their mutual respect and shared experiences highlight the challenges of rising to prominence in professional basketball.