Caitlin Clark opened the 2025 WNBA season with a triple-double, tying Candace Parker in league history — and earning praise from LeBron James. Clark called LeBron the “GOAT” and reflected on their growing bond, calling their connection incredible and surreal.

The Indiana Fever superstar notched her third career triple-double over the weekend in a commanding win over the Chicago Sky, tallying 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. The feat tied her with Candace Parker for the third-most triple-doubles in WNBA history, and immediately drew praise from one of the biggest names in basketball: LeBron James.

Hours before Clark’s performance, LeBron posted a photo of himself and Clark from a March Lakers–Pacers game — one in which he hit the game-winner — with the caption:

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

After the game, James took to social media again to congratulate Clark on her latest triple-double — a gesture that left the reigning WNBA Rookie of the Year in awe.

“That’s one of my idols. LeBron is the GOAT to me,” Clark said during her Monday media session.

This answer could be surprising to many, as most players pick Michael Jordan over LeBron James.

“He really does follow the WNBA. He watches and he loves and appreciates basketball and he loves and appreciates the way the Fever and my teammates play. I didn’t see [his post] before the game, but a lot of people sent it to me.”

The connection between Clark and James — both Nike athletes — has quickly grown into a mutual admiration. The two met earlier this year when Clark attended the Lakers game in Indianapolis. James hit the game-winning shot in the final second, but it was Clark who came away starstruck.

“I don’t really get starstruck… I knew I was gonna meet him when I was coming to the game, and that’s one of my idols,” Clark said.

Caitlin Clark

Position:
PG, SG

Age:
23

Height:
183 cm

Weight:
70 kg

Birth place:
Des Moines, United States of America

“LeBron is the GOAT to me, so it was just a crazy moment where I got to meet him in the back. And for him to go out of his way and wish me luck on the season… it’s just really cool.”

Clark recalled her reaction to James’ Instagram story after the Sky game:

“I saw that, I didn’t see it before the game, but obviously, a lot of people had sent it to me after the game, and I was like, ‘Oh my gosh.’ Like I thought it was kind of fake at first. You never know in today’s world, I guess!

I was like, ‘Wait, is this actually LeBron James?’ I knew the picture was real, ’cause I knew that was me, but that was pretty incredible. I don’t get too starstruck, but he’s one of those people that I did.”

Clark, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 WNBA Draft, earned Rookie of the Year honors last season after averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game. Now in her sophomore campaign, she’s already delivering more highlights — with the full attention and endorsement of one of basketball’s all-time greats.