LeBron James expressed his admiration for Caitlin Clark, calling her a "transcendent player" and revealing why he respects her talent. (ch)

LeBron James and Caitlin Clark (Images Credits: Getty Images)

Being named among the greatest NBA players in history is itself an achievement, and LeBron James is no stranger to success. The league’s all-time leading scorer has dealt with pressure since his rookie year, which makes him comprehend Indiana Fever rookie Caitlin Clark’s season. Recently, the 39-year-old NBA star explained his respect for the WNBA star.

Caitlin Clark broke many WNBA records in her rookie season and acquired the fourth most votes in the 2024 MVP list. The 2024 WNBA assists leader averaged 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game this season. However, the Fever faced a first-round exit in the playoffs after losing 2-0 to the Connecticut Sun.

While asked about the Lakers star’s opinion on Clark’s rookie season, LeBron told Esquire, “I have a great deal of respect for Caitlin Clark because I know exactly what it means to be drafted, be the face of a franchise, and also get the scrutiny from a lot of people that don’t believe you’re ready for the next jump, don’t believe you’re ready for the big leagues, and just don’t think that you belong. And I remember that when I came into the league at eighteen years old, how many people doubted me and hoped and prayed that I’d fail.”

LeBron James (Image Credit: Getty Images)

“And so, me watching Caitlin and seeing what she’s doing, I’ve been in support of her since day one because I remember myself going through that, and she has my support 100 percent. She’s a transcendent player. And obviously we all saw that at Iowa, and I knew that it would translate to the big leagues. And she’s an unbelievable talent. It’s great to watch.”

Caitlin Clark And Fever Exit As 2024 WNBA Playoffs Enter Semi-Finals

Alyssa Thomas’ Connecticut Sun swept Indiana Fever in the first round to qualify for the semi-finals. After her playoffs exit, Clark claimed the playoffs gave her and the Fever “a taste of where we want to be.” The Sun will next face the Minnesota Lynx and Napheesa Collier, averaging 40 points per game in the playoffs.

Caitlin Clark (Image Credits: Getty Images)

On the other hand, three-time MVP A’ja Wilson’s Las Vegas Aces will face Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu’s New York Liberty. Aces center A’ja Wilson finished the regular season as a scoring and blocking leader while she broke the WNBA single-season rebounding record. The Aces will look to clinch the title to become the second-only WNBA team to complete a championship three-peat.