Caitlin Clark makes her feelings clear on LeBron James - 'I hate saying this'

Caitlin Clark insisted LeBron James is the greatest basketball player of all time - but played down comparisons between herself and the NBA icon.

Having enjoyed a record-breaking spell at Iowa as she departed college as the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history, Clark was the No.

1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft .

She dominated on the court, winning Rookie of the Year honors while posting 19.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, and a league-leading 8.4 assists per game while setting several records - including the single-game assist record (19).

Clark led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff berth since 2016 and is leading a womens sporting revolution.

As a result, she has been compared to great sporting heroes like James .

Back in 2003, James was the first overall pick from the Cleveland Cavaliers , winning Rookie of the Year himself.

He has since dominated the NBA for over two decades and has been compared to Clark as she lights up packed arenas and adds new eyes to women's sports.

However, while Clark has the utmost respect for James, she does not want to be compared to him - or anyone.

In an interview with David Letterman, the 23-year-old said: I don't want to compare myself to anybody else.

I don't like that.

I hate saying this because LeBron is, like, the greatest basketball player of all time, but obviously, he didnt even go to college, and he had all these expectations coming out of high school to be, like, the greatest player ever, and obviously, thats a lot.

Like, thats a lot to take on your shoulders and a lot for the NBA at the time.

Hes obviously lived up to it, and hes still one of the best players - if not the best player - in the world still...

Its incredible what hes done for the game of basketball and the way hes carried himself.

Ive always been a fan of him.

Clark is looking to use James career, which was rife with expectation amid a rapid rise to stardom, as a blueprint.

The 40-year-old has spoken highly of Clark before, with the Los Angeles Lakers star outlining his respect for her.

I have a great deal of respect for Caitlin Clark, because I know exactly what it means to be drafted, be the face of a franchise, and also get the scrutiny from a lot of people that don't believe you're ready for the next jump, don't believe you're ready for the big leagues, and just don't think that you belong, James said.

And I remember that when I came into the league at eighteen years old how many people doubted me and hoped and prayed that I'd fail.

And so, me watching Caitlin and seeing what she's doing, I've been in support of her since day one, because I remember myself going through that, and she has my support 100 percent.

Clarks Fever tip off the 2025 WNBA season against Angel Reese s Chicago Sky on May 17..

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