LeBron James expressed his empathy for Caitlin Clark’s challenging rookie season just days after the standout player and the Indiana Fever were eliminated from the WNBA playoffs.

As a former No. 1 overall pick, LeBron understands the pressures of being the face of a franchise. Both he and Clark have been pivotal in transforming their respective franchises’ cultures from losing to winning.

In a recent interview with Esquire, James shared his admiration for the former Iowa star and reflected on the intense scrutiny she faced during her inaugural campaign.

“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 who don’t believe you’re ready for the next jump, don’t think you belong,” he said. “When I entered the league at eighteen, so many doubted me and hoped I would fail.”

He further emphasized, “Watching Caitlin and seeing what she’s accomplished, I’ve been in her corner since day one. I remember my own journey, and she has my full support. She’s a transcendent player.” LeBron highlighted that her talent was evident during her time at Iowa and would seamlessly transition to the professional level. “She’s an unbelievable talent. It’s great to watch.”

Clark’s rise in the WNBA followed a highly publicized NCAA career, further elevating her status and the league’s popularity. Despite being swept in the opening round by the experienced Connecticut Sun, Clark led the Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016.

“She has the vision, the spirit—people want to play with her,” LeBron noted. “They’re going to be a really good team in the near future.”

James has consistently supported Clark throughout the season. After her impressive performance scoring 31 points and dishing out 12 assists against Angel Reese and the Chicago Sky in their final regular-season game, he addressed her critics in a social media post.

At the start of the WNBA season, LeBron credited the league’s surge in mainstream visibility to Clark’s influence. “The one thing I love about what she’s bringing to her sport is that more people want to watch. I noticed, for the first time, they had a chartered plane. They flew private for the first time in league history. That should be celebrated, and it’s because of Caitlin Clark. Don’t get it twisted; she’s the reason why a lot of great things are going to happen for the WNBA