LeBron James claps back at Caitlin Clark’s critics after another stellar performance, showing his unwavering support for the rising WNBA star.
LeBron James continues to be one of Caitlin Clark’s most vocal supporters, clapping back at critics following another stellar performance from the Indiana Fever rookie. After Clark notched her second career triple-double in a win against the Los Angeles Sparks, James took to social media to silence the doubters with a simple yet impactful message:
“Hi HATERS!!!!!! I love it.”
Clark’s 24 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds in the game further solidified her position as one of the most exciting rookies in WNBA history. With this performance, Clark became only the sixth player in league history to record multiple career triple-doubles, an impressive feat for any player, let alone a rookie. Her consistent play has not only earned her Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors, but also continued to bolster her case for Rookie of the Year.
LeBron, who himself entered the NBA with immense hype and pressure, seems to see a bit of his own journey in Clark’s meteoric rise. Much like James’ historic rookie season in 2003, during which he averaged 20.9 points, 5.9 assists, and 5.5 rebounds en route to winning Rookie of the Year, Clark has embraced the spotlight and shattered expectations in her first year.
She is currently averaging 18.9 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.8 rebounds, numbers that are even more impressive considering the attention and physicality she faces on the court.
Clark’s impact extends beyond her individual stats. Since the Olympic break, Indiana has gone 7-1, positioning them in sole possession of the sixth seed in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Clark’s playmaking, scoring, and leadership have been central to the Fever’s success, and her ability to deliver in key moments has won over fans and teammates alike.
Despite the occasional criticism and comparisons, James’ unwavering support for Clark highlights her transcendent talent. As she continues to break records and lead her team toward the playoffs, it’s clear that Caitlin Clark is poised to leave an indelible mark on the WNBA, much like LeBron did in the NBA. For her critics, James’ message is simple: keep doubting, and Clark will keep proving you wrong.
Caitlin Clark Has Done Something LeBron James Could Never Achieve
Caitlin Clark has accomplished something in her rookie WNBA season that even LeBron James couldn’t achieve in his first year: leading her team to the playoffs. While LeBron transformed the Cleveland Cavaliers from a 17-65 team to a more respectable 35-47 in his rookie season in 2003-04, it still wasn’t enough to clinch a playoff spot. James didn’t make his first postseason appearance until 2005, during his third NBA season.
In contrast, Clark has quickly elevated the Indiana Fever from being one of the league’s worst teams to playoff contenders in just her first year. The Fever had a dismal 5-31 record in 2022 and an improved but still struggling 13-27 record in 2023.
With the number one picks in consecutive drafts, one of which was Caitlin Clark, the Fever have undergone a dramatic turnaround. Now, with a 6th-best 18-16 record, they’ve secured a playoff berth, marking a huge leap forward for the franchise.
Clark’s immediate impact on the Fever underscores her generational talent and leadership on the court, achieving what LeBron couldn’t in his first year. By turning a struggling team into a playoff contender in her rookie season, Clark has cemented her place as one of the most exciting young stars in basketball today.
