Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James knows what it's like to have a spotlight on him from before he even entered the NBA in 2003. But now in the age of social media and hot take culture, that spotlight is even more magnified. That's why he's the perfect mentor for Indiana Fever star Catilin Clark.
From the day she entered the doors of the University of Iowa to be their starting point guard, all eyes were on Clark and what would be her eventual WNBA career. Thus far, she hasn't disappointed, and she says she's used some of LeBron James' advice to help her through things like expectations, injuries, and more.
In an exclusive sit-down with ESPN's Malika Andrews, Clark says her relationship with LeBron James goes beyond basketball.
“I mean, I think LeBron has just been there to support me more than anything,” Caitlin Clark said. “He understands the microscope that I'm under and the spotlight that's on me and I think he just wants to be there for me more than anything.
When I was hurt last year, he reached out and was like, is there any way I can help you? Like, is there anybody I can connect you with? Just somebody that's there trying to help you, trying to help make the game better, help you improve. I think that's a lot of our relationship now.”
🎥 Caitlin Clark speaks on her relationship with LeBron James 🐐:
“LeBron has been there to support me”
“When I got hurt last year he reached out and said is their anyway I can help you , anyone I can connect you with” pic.twitter.com/CyVbasAdP3
— JMac | Ball Up🏀 (@Gameis_gameLFG) May 8, 2026
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Clark is just about to begin her third season in the WNBA, but as someone who entered the league with more expectations than anyone player in the history of the sport — not to mention a fellow Nike athlete like James — the relationship materialized naturally and is more than just hoops talk.
“And then a little bit of golf too. We texted about golf. But that's next on our bucket list is to play golf together. I'm not sure either of us are too great, so we might be chasing the ball a lot. But I think basketball players just love that mental challenge of an individual sport of golf.”
In her first two seasons in the league, Caitlin Clark has averaged 18.5 points, 5.0 rebounds, 8.8 assists, and 1.6 steals per game for the Indiana Fever in 53 appearances. Clark played all 40 games in her rookie season, but dealt with repeated lower body injuries in the 2025 season that limited her to just 13 total games played.
The Fever made a surprisingly deep playoff run last season without Clark, and feel that her return should be able to take them to the next level.
Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James knows what it's like to have a spotlight on him from before he even entered the NBA in 2003. But now in the age of social media and hot take culture, that spotlight is even more magnified. That's why he's the perfect mentor for Indiana Fever star Catilin Clark.