“He’s My Favorite Player of All Time”: Caitlin Clark Opens Up About Meeting LeBron James

Indianapolis, IN — In a moment that perfectly captures the intersection of sports greatness across generations, WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark has finally met her basketball idol — none other than LeBron James. And the emotional weight of that encounter? As powerful as her signature logo three.

After the Indiana Fever’s recent game against the Las Vegas Aces, Clark had the opportunity to meet LeBron James in person. The two exchanged greetings courtside, a moment that fans have since dubbed “legend meeting legend.” But for Caitlin Clark, it was far more personal.

“He’s my favorite player of all time,” Clark said during a press conference, her face lighting up with genuine admiration. “To just meet him, and then to have him post about me — it means everything.”

LeBron’s Show of Support: More Than Just a Post

LeBron James, a four-time NBA champion and vocal advocate for women’s sports, had recently taken to social media to praise Caitlin amid growing tensions and polarized narratives surrounding her presence in the WNBA. With the league experiencing an unprecedented surge in popularity — much of it fueled by Clark’s dynamic performances — the rookie has also become a lightning rod for both admiration and criticism.

But LeBron’s message was clear: respect the game, and respect greatness — regardless of gender.

“Caitlin Clark is the truth. Y’all better put some respect on her name,” James posted on X (formerly Twitter), defending her against the noise and calling her impact “incredible for the game.”

For Caitlin, the post wasn’t just validation. It was a dream come full circle.

From Idol to Inspiration: The Journey Comes Full Circle

Growing up in Iowa, Clark idolized LeBron not just for his on-court brilliance, but for his longevity, leadership, and fearlessness.

“He’s the reason I fell in love with the game. The way he carries himself — the way he lifts others while dominating — it’s inspiring.”

Now, as Clark continues to write her own legacy in the WNBA, she acknowledges how surreal it feels to have her childhood hero watching — and cheering — from the sidelines.

Respect From Legends, Pressure From the World

Clark’s rookie season has been anything but quiet. From record-breaking jersey sales, sell-out arenas, to being the center of both praise and critique, Clark has had to navigate more than just defenders.

But with legends like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Magic Johnson, and Stephen Curry publicly backing her, Clark’s resolve seems stronger than ever.

“It’s cool, but also kind of crazy,” she laughed. “These are guys I’ve looked up to forever. Now they know my name? That’s wild.”

The Future Is Bright — And Grateful

Despite the spotlight, Clark remains grounded. She continues to credit her teammates, her upbringing, and the fans who’ve been with her since the Iowa Hawkeye days.

Meeting LeBron, though, is a moment she says she’ll never forget — and one she hopes to pay forward.

“If I can inspire the next generation even half as much as he inspired me, I’ll be proud of that,” Clark said.

Caitlin Clark was starstruck meeting LeBron James: ‘He’s the GOAT to me’

Caitlin Clark met her basketball idol, LeBron James, after a Pacers game in March. Weeks later, he posted their photo — and cheered her triple-double on opening night

Before the Indiana Fever tipped off the regular season Saturday against the Chicago Sky — marking the official start of Caitlin Clark’s sophomore WNBA campaign — Lakers forward LeBron James posted to his Instagram, where he reaches 159 million followers globally.

It was a carousel of three photos of the two meeting.

His caption: “Good luck and DO YOU per usual this season!!!”

As I reported back on March 31, this was the first time the two basketball stars — both signature Nike athletes — had met. That happened on March 26, outside the locker room at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, after James tipped in the game-winner at the buzzer to lift the Lakers to a 120-119 win. It was the Pacers’ only home loss over a 14-game stretch.

Yet no photos of that interaction surfaced — until now.

Then, during Saturday’s Fever-Sky game, which aired nationally on ABC, James tweeted: “TRIPLE DUB CC!! Great way to kick off the season!” after Clark recorded a 20-10-10 triple-double — her third in just 41 regular-season games as a pro.

Clark, who’s active in the Instagram comment section for teammates and friends, replied to James after the game: “The greatest of all time. Thank you”

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Clark sat up in a suite during the game, but she was looking forward to a meeting postgame.

“I knew I was going to meet him when I was coming to the game,” Clark said after practice on Monday. “That’s one of my idols. LeBron is the GOAT (greatest of all time) to me.