LeBron James Crushes Caitlin Clark's Haters, Explains Blunt Reality
LeBron James cut right through the nonsense when it comes to the criticism Caitlin Clark faces.
The Indiana Fever rookie became the face of the WNBA the moment she was picked first overall in the WNBA Draft. Following a historic college career at Iowa, the highest-scoring player in major DI basketball history is now tasked with elevating the WNBA to new levels.
Despite a rough 0-4 start, Clark is already having a noticeable impact. TV ratings are up, arenas are being packed, the WNBA pivoted to chartered flights shortly after a single interaction with Clark and a fan at an airport, and there's never been more attention on the league than there is right now. That's great for women's basketball.
Unfortunately, not everyone is pumped. A'ja Wilson took some racial shots at Clark, Jemele Hill claimed the Fever rookie is popular and marketable because she's straight and white, the press and media go after her and social media routinely targets the talented guard.
LeBron James defends Caitlin Clark.
Well, LeBron James has seen and heard enough criticism of Clark, and it's time to set the record straight. He bluntly admitted she's the reason people care about the WNBA now when they didn't before.
"The one thing that I love that she's bringing to her sport? More people want to watch. More people want to tune in. Don't get it twisted. don't get it f*cked up. Caitlin Clark is the reason why a lot of great things are going to happen for the WNBA. But for her individually, I don't think she should get involved on nothing that's being said. Just go have fun. Enjoy. I'm rooting for Caitlin because I've been in that seat before. I've walked that road before. I hope she kills," LeBron told his co-host JJ Redick on their "Mind the Game" podcast.
The four-time NBA champion also pointed out very few individuals get to actually crush their dreams in life, and yet, people love to tear them down.
"There's a very small number of men and women that actually get to live out their dream of playing a professional sport, and we have grown ass men and women doing whatever they can to try to make sure that does not happen," the Lakers star said in connection with Clark and his son Bronny James.
You can watch LeBron's full comments below, and hit me with your thoughts at David.Hookstead@outkick.com. His view is incredibly refreshing.
There is plenty to criticize LeBron over. Plenty. However, it's important to call balls and strikes. He's absolutely 100% correct with his assessment when it comes to the backlash and criticism Clark faces.
Instead of everyone who claims to love women's basketball being excited, it seems like so many people love to take shots. Not only do people like to take shots, but it seems like Clark being white is a focal point.
No, her being white isn't the reason people like her. There have been plenty of white WNBA players in the past. None have come close to her popularity. Caitlin Clark is the face of the WNBA because she did things in college never done before. The young woman was drilling 3s from different area codes and dishing out passes like a female Steve Nash.
Yet, it's just not good enough for some. Instead of celebrating the Indiana Fever star for bringing in a ton of new fans, the critics just want to tear her down.
LeBron James comes to Caitlin Clark's defense. (Photos by Cooper Neill/NBAE via Getty Images)
LeBron might not be correct often, but he is here. I'm actually a bit stunned he didn't take this opportunity to lean into the same path as Hill and Wilson. It would have been very on-brand. Instead, he spoke the truth, and for that, he deserves to be applauded. Let me know if you agree at David.Hookstead@outkick.com.