LeBron James does not hold back with honest assessment of Caitlin Clark and the WNBA

LeBron James has spoken about Caitlin Clark’s start to life in the WNBA after being drafted to the Indiana Fever with the team currently without a win through the first five games of the season

LeBron James has heaped praise on Caitlin Clark after her difficult start to life in the WNBA.

Arguably the greatest basketball star in college history, Clark was selected with the No. 1 overall pick by the Indiana Fever, who have had the worst record in the league through the past two years, landing the first pick in the 2023 draft and this year. Clark’s arrival at the time led many to believe that the Fever could contend – but they’ve started the year with an 0-5 record and could be set for another difficult campaign.

Despite the team’s struggling start, Clark has had no issues in translating her game from college to the pros, averaging 18 points, six assists and 4.5 rebounds per game. But James, who had been in a very similar situation as Clark when he was drafted to the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2003 – who went on to have a losing record – has acknowledged that the former Hawkeye can only do but so much.

Speaking on his “Mind the Game” podcast with J.J. Redick, James said: “It’s still a team game, people. 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? That means they’re not that good.

“I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before. I’ve walked that road before. I hope she kills. I hope Aliyah Boston does amazing. I hope they do great. I’m glad that Caitlin has a great head on her shoulders.” James has also acknowledged Clark’s impact on the WNBA, with the league as popular as ever – coming on the back of the women’s national championship game featuring Clark’s Iowa having more views than the men’s final game.

“The one thing that I love that she’s bringing to her sport: more people want to watch. More people want to tune in. I saw, for the first time, they had a chartered plane. For the first time in their league history, they flew private. That should be celebrated in its own right. That should be celebrated, and it’s because of Caitlin Clark. Don’t get it twisted. Don’t get it ——- up. Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are going to happen for the WNBA.”

LeBron James has heaped praise on Caitlin Clark’s start to life in the WNBA
James might have a better understanding of what Clark is going through than most. His eldest son, Bronny James, is likely to be drafted into the NBA, potentially leaving after just one year of college basketball at USC.

“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. 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.”

Seen as a second-round prospect, rumors have emerged that Bronny could even be taken in the first round – after his impressive performances at the Scouting Combine. The team that drafts Bronny may be enhancing their odds to land his legendary father, who has stated that he wants to play with his son – while having the opportunity to become an unrestricted free agent with his contract up with the Los Angeles Lakers.