Caitlin Clark’s second season in the WNBA got off to an incredible start over the weekend, as she posted her third career triple-double—20 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists, four blocks, and two steals—in the Indiana Fever’s dominant 93-58 win over the Chicago Sky.
Speaking to the media at practice on Monday ahead of their matchup with the Atlanta Dream on Tuesday, Clark was asked about the post she received from Los Angeles Lakers superstar LeBron James before her first game. His message read, “Good luck and DO YOU per usual this season!!! @caitlinclark22.”
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Clark acknowledged seeing the post and shoutout from James after the game. On Monday, she revealed that James is not only her favorite player of all-time but also the clear “GOAT” in her opinion.
“I don’t really get starstruck by people… but LeBron is one of my idols. To me, he’s the ‘GOAT,'” Clark said. “For him to go out of his way to wish me luck for the season, and to see how much he follows the WNBA and truly appreciates basketball… I didn’t see it before the game, but a lot of people sent it to me after, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ At first, I thought it was kind of fake. He’s my favorite player of all time.”
Her statement sparked some backlash on social media, as many fans continue to argue that Michael Jordan holds the title of greatest player of all time instead of LeBron.
“No he’s not it’s MJ,” a fan said.
Someone else added, “Dang, bad take..”
“She is 100% wrong,” another fan posted.
A fan reacted, “She’s dead to me.”
One more fan commented, “She’s too young to remember MJ…just being real.”
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22).Grace Smith/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK
Clark has often expressed her admiration for LeBron James, repeatedly praising his impact on the game. She has also shared that her childhood idol was WNBA legend and former UConn star Maya Moore.
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However, James has also shown his support for Clark. Last year, during her rookie season, he offered her valuable advice that she has carried with her throughout her career.
“Don’t get it twisted, don’t get it [explicit] up, Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things is going to happen for the WNBA,” James said back in May 2024. “But for her individually, I don’t think she should get involved on nothing that’s being said. Just go have fun, enjoy.”
He continued, “But I’m rooting for Caitlin because I’ve been in that seat before. I’ve walked that road before. I hope she kills it.”
Related: Chicago Sky Face Backlash Over Angel Reese Announcement Following Loss to Indiana Fever
