Greatness recognizes greatness, and Lebron James recognizes the talent that WNBA first overall pick Caitlin Clark has. She also knows what impact she will have on the league's potential growth.
He the Los Angeles Lakers The star didn't miss a beat in addressing Clark's critics, as the former Hawkeyes star has been under heavy scrutiny as the Indiana Fever's season got off to a rocky start with four straight losses.
Indiana Fever's Caitlin Clark #22 crosses the court in the first quarter against the New York Liberty at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on May 16, 2024 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
“It's still a team game, people,” James said on his “Mind the Game” podcast with JJ Redick.
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“People have to realize that the Indiana Fever, this is the second year in a row they've had the No. 1 pick. Do you 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 been down that road before. I hope she slays. I hope Aliyah Boston does great. I hope they do great.”
James explained that he understands the situation both from his experiences as a rookie and now with his son, Bronny James, who is the presumptive number one overall pick in the NBA Draft 2024.
Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James makes a dunk during the second half of Game 4 of an NBA basketball first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday, April 27, 2024 in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
CAITLIN CLARK DELETES COMMENT FROM WNBA STAR'S CAREER, SAYS MORE 'OPPORTUNITIES' WILL HELP ELEVATE WOMEN'S GAME
“The same thing happens to me when I see my son, who is 19 years old, feel a lot of animosity and hatred towards him when he is just a child trying to live his dream. There are a very small number of men and women who actually manage to make their dream come true. dream of playing professional sports, and we have grown as men and women here who do everything we can to make sure that doesn't happen.”
“I'm glad Caitlin has a great head on her shoulders.”
James also credited Clark with having a massive impact on the WNBA, despite his recent arrival.
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) reacts after scoring a 3-point basket during the second half of a WNBA basketball game against the Connecticut Sun, Monday, May 20, 2024, at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. (IMAGE)
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“The only thing I love is that she is contributing to her sport: more people want to watch it. More people want to tune in. I saw, for the first time, that they had a chartered plane. For the first time in league history, they flew private. “This should be celebrated in its own right,” he stated.
“That should be celebrated, and it's because of Caitlin Clark. Don't twist it. Don't screw it up. Caitlin Clark is the reason a lot of great things will happen for the WNBA.”
Female viewership at both the collegiate and professional levels has seen massive increases in part due to Clark's popularity.
Last year, the WNBA spent $4 million on charter flights for the playoffs and any consecutive games during the regular season. Before last month's draft, Commissioner Cathy Engelbert confirmed that the league would do the same this season.
But this month, the league announced a $50 million plan to provide full-time charter services for its teams over the next two seasons.
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