Former ESPN Analyst Thinks LeBron James Doesn't Like Caitlin Clark

Rookie sensation Caitlin Clark had herself a night on Friday after leading the Indiana Fever to a convincing 100-81 win on the road against the Chicago Sky.

Clark exploded for a career-high 31 points and added 12 assists to power the Fever to their third straight win. The do-it-all floor general also became the first player in WNBA history to have three games with at least 25 points and 10 assists.

Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James marveled at Clark's performance and took to X to express his support, saying "CAITLIN CLARK! HI, HATERS!"

Former ESPN analyst Jason Whitlock, however, claimed that LeBron doesn't "sincerely like" Clark, adding that the four-time NBA MVP is just "riding her wave."

"LeBron is a race idolator pretending he likes CC," Whitlock wrote on X. "CC is gonna sell more Nikes than LeBron. He knows it. She's going to be a bigger icon than LeBron.
"He wants to pretend he supported/blessed her rise."

Whitlock also gave a suggestion for the 22-year-old Clark regarding her fandom of the Kansas City Chiefs. She previously said she was influenced by her family filled with Chiefs supporters.

"I hope she builds an alliance with Patrick Mahomes," the media personality added. "That will be tough because Mahomes is signed to Adidas.

"I hope CC keeps her distance from LeBron. Align with Jordan at Nike and align with Mahomes publicly."

Clark has an endorsement deal with Nike reportedly worth $28 million.

It wasn't the first time that LeBron expressed his admiration for the Fever star. In May 2024, in an episode of his now-defunct "Mind the Game" podcast, the Lakers veteran touted Clark's overall impact, saying she's the reason why "great things are happening to the WNBA."

In July 2024, Whitlock described LeBron's son, Bronny James, as a "Make-A-Wish Kid." A month before that, he said Clark's rival, Chicago Sky rookie Angel Reese, was the "most overrated athlete."

Whitlock had two stints with ESPN until his employment ended in 2015. He is currently with Blaze Media.

Related: Caitlin Clark Reacts to Vanessa Bryant's Shoutout After Fever Rout Sky