LeBron James believes in Caitlin Clark's ability. Clark has received some criticism since joining the WNBA, but LeBron issued eye-opening support for the Indiana Fever rookie during the latest episode of the Mind the Game Podcast.
“The one thing that I love that she's bringing to her sport, more people want to watch,” James said of Clark's impact on the WNBA. “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 going to happen for the WNBA. But for her individually, I don't think she should get involved on nothing that's being said. Just go have fun, enjoy… But 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. You know, I hope they do great.”
Caitlin Clark's start to WNBA career
Clark has received some criticism, but she has a lot of supporters as well. LeBron James is clearly one of those supporters as evidenced by his comments.
Clark is currently averaging 17 points per game on 41.2 percent field goal and 34.3 percent three-point shooting across four WNBA contests so far. She is still finding her footing in the WNBA, and opposing defenses have focused on containing her. Nevertheless, Clark is already displaying signs of stardom.
The Fever are 0-4 to begin the new campaign. Indiana is rebuilding and they are hopeful that Clark can lead them to success down the road. But one player cannot completely turn a franchise around. The Fever's rebuilding process will take time.
LeBron James' point about Caitlin Clark's impact on the WNBA is attention-catching to say the least. The league has already seen impressive ratings results in games that Clark has played in.
For LeBron, he's noticed the criticism Clark has received as well. He said that he has seen similar reaction towards his son Bronny James ahead of the upcoming 2024 NBA Draft.
LeBron James gets real on criticism towards Bronny James
While speaking on the Mind the Game Podcast, LeBron also addressed the “animosity” and “hatred” toward Bronny.
“I'm getting the same thing from watching my son, who's a 19-year-old,” James said. “Kind of getting a lot of animosity and hatred towards him when he's just a kid trying to live out his dream. You know, there's a very small number of men and women that actually get to live out their dream of playing a professional sport. And we have grown a** men and women out here doing whatever they can to try to 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.”
Bronny has admitted that playing basketball while being the son of a legend like LeBron is not an easy thing to do. He receives added criticism given the pressure and expectations of being LeBron's son.
James understands what Bronny is going through. He also experienced similar reaction to what Clark has endured. When LeBron entered the NBA, he was a top-tier prospect who featured an incredibly high-ceiling. Some players around the league, including some of James' teammates, were hesitant to give him respect as he received no shortage of attention.
It is safe to say that LeBron James ultimately earned respect, though. And now both Caitlin Clark and Bronny James are hoping to accomplish that goal as well.
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