LeBron James empathizes with Caitlin Clark facing scrutiny being face of franchise in rookie season

LeBron James has been making the headlines lately for his recent comments regarding WNBA star Caitlin Clark in a recent interview.

LeBron James empathizes with Caitlin Clark facing scrutiny being face of franchise in rookie season

Caitlin Clark and LeBron James

LeBron James has always appreciated the WNBA superstar Caitlin Clark. James has been a long-time admirer of Clark since she was drafted last 1st overall pick in the WNBA by the Indiana Fever. Also, the Los Angeles Lakers legend empathized with Clark as he was drafted as 1st overall pick back in the 2003 NBA Draft.

When Caitlin Clark first arrived in Iowa, she raised the bar high. She broke the Division I scoring record and the driving record for TV ratings. Given that, Clark attracted attention even after a year in the West, so she had to put up with a lot of criticism and scrutiny. This criticism did not stop even after she entered the WNBA. However, James opened up on this situation in a recent interview with Brian O’Keefe of 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.

LeBron James via Esquire

James also faced the same situation back in 2003. He was criticized by the media many times. It ranged from choking in the playoffs during his first stint with the Cleveland Cavaliers to leaving them for South Beach. However, LeBron James went on to build an underlying legacy in the NBA.

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On the other hand, Clark averaged 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 8.4 rebounds, and 1.3 steals in her debut season. She won the WNBA Rookie of the Year title. This also assisted the Fever in making it to the postseason. All of this indicates a bright future for the young WNBA superstar.

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Caitlin Clark ‘sets high expectations’ for her Fever side for the 2025 WNBA season

The Indiana Fever star player Caitlin Clark has garnered a lot of attention lately after her side’s first-round sweep during the WNBA playoffs. Clark did not shy away from speaking her mind despite being eliminated. She made a bold claim regarding the Fever’s expectations going into the next 2025 WNBA season.

Next year, we’re wanting to be a top-four seed. That’s what I believe. That’s why I’m going to do everything in my power to help this organization get there. But you’ve got to let it hurt you a little bit, and really drive you throughout the offseason.

Caitlin Clark via media interview following playoff exit

Clark has been one of the most important players for the Fever this season. The Fever ended a seven-year postseason drought this season by making it to the playoffs. This was mainly because of a catalyst provided by Clark’s selection as the top pick in the 2024 WNBA draft.

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Given that, Clark won’t settle with their recent elimination. The first experience of the playoff will only strengthen the team and Clark. She and her Fever teammates will look to bounce back in the 2025 WNBA season after a much-needed offseason break.