LeBron James recently came to the defense of Iowa Hawkeyes star Caitlin Clark after she faced criticism leading up to the national championship game against South Carolina. Although Iowa ultimately lost to South Carolina 87-75, James took to social media to show his support for Clark. His post on X called out anyone who is not a fan of Clark’s game, labeling them as haters. This support from James came after negative comments from WNBA stars Diana Taurasi and Breanna Stewart regarding Clark’s future in the WNBA as she is expected to be a top draft pick.
Taurasi, a WNBA legend, commented that Clark may struggle in her early days in the WNBA due to the transition of playing against collegiate players to professional women. She suggested that there will be a learning curve for Clark, even though her talent is undeniable. Stewart also added that for Clark to be considered an all-time great, she needs to have a college national championship under her belt. These comments preceded the national championship game, where Clark led Iowa with 30 points in the losing effort against South Carolina.
Amidst the criticism, Hall of Famer Lynette Woodard also threw shade at Clark, claiming that her scoring record at Kansas was not broken by Clark. Woodard stated that her record had been hidden for 43 years and implied that it had not been duplicated by Clark. These comments from WNBA legends and Hall of Famers did not deter Clark from continuing to impress on the court. Despite the loss in the championship game, Clark showcased her talent by hitting 10-of-28 shots and scoring five 3-pointers against South Carolina.
While Clark may have faced criticism from some basketball legends, LeBron James’ support shows that she has a strong backing in the basketball community. Clark’s performance in the championship game highlighted her scoring ability and talent on the court, despite the outcome of the game. As she prepares to enter the WNBA draft and join a team, Clark will continue to prove herself on the professional stage and show that she has what it takes to succeed in the highest level of women’s basketball. The comments from Taurasi, Stewart, and Woodard may have questioned Clark’s abilities, but her resilience and skill on the court speak for themselves.
LeBron James’ defense of Caitlin Clark reflects the broader support she has gained from basketball fans and peers who recognize her talent and potential. With the WNBA draft approaching, all eyes will be on Clark as she transitions from collegiate play to the professional league. While there may be challenges ahead for the young star, her dedication and skill have already made a significant impact on the sport. As she continues to grow and develop in her career, Caitlin Clark is poised to make a lasting impression in the world of women’s basketball, proving her critics wrong and solidifying her place among the greats of the game.
