LeBron James Praises Caitlin Clark’s Impact on WNBA Popularity and Offers Career Advice
The WNBA is experiencing unprecedented popularity, thanks in large part to the influx of talent in recent years. Among the many who share this sentiment is Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James, who attributes the growing interest in the WNBA to Caitlin Clark‘s professional debut.
“The one thing that I love that she is bringing to her sport: more people want to watch, more people want to tune in,” James said to co-host JJ Redick on the “Mind the Game” podcast. “Don’t get it twisted, don’t get it f—ed up: Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are going to happen for the WNBA.”
Clark was chosen as the No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever in last month’s WNBA Draft, gaining immense popularity following her remarkable career at Iowa.
Having experienced similar fanfare and pressure early in his career, James shared some advice for Clark as she embarks on her professional journey.
“My advice to Caitlin, and my advice to anyone that comes in with this level of notoriety, out-of-this-world expectation, whatever the case may be: Be a horse, man. The Kentucky Derby,” James said. “Put your blinders on, go to work, show up to work, punch your clock in, prepare yourself, work on your game, work on your craft.
“Kind of keep your mouth shut and just learn from the vets. When they ask, voice your opinion if they want your opinion early because everybody is looking for you to say anything and they’re gonna splice it and cut it and make it a negative thing.”
Clark has faced challenges as the Fever started the season with an 0-4 record. Despite the rough start, she has averaged 17.0 points and 5.5 assists per game, with a 34.3% shooting accuracy from 3-point range.
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