One of the most debated topics in all of sports—who is the greatest player of all time—received a fresh perspective from one of basketball’s brightest young stars. Indiana Fever rookie sensation Caitlin Clark weighed in on the NBA age-old LeBron James vs. Michael Jordan debate, and her answer might surprise some.
During her appearance on My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, Clark hesitated at first to make any comparisons. But eventually, she offered her honest take on who she believes deserves the “GOAT” label.
“I don’t want to compare myself to anybody else, I don’t like that… I don’t know, like I hate saying this…” she said before delivering her verdict. “LeBron is, like, the greatest basketball player of all time. But obviously, he didn’t even go to college and he had all these expectations coming out of high school to be like the greatest player ever, and obviously that’s a lot.”
Clark continued her praise, emphasizing the pressure LeBron faced and how he’s exceeded even the loftiest of expectations. “That’s a lot to take on your shoulders, and a lot for the NBA at the time. And he’s obviously lived up to it. He’s still one of the best players—if not the best player in the world—and he’s turning 40 this month or next month, whatever it is. It’s incredible what he’s done for basketball and the way he’s carried himself. I’ve always been a fan of him.”
Clark’s impact in the WNBA
In her rookie season, Caitlin Clark wasted no time making her mark. She led the Indiana Fever to their first playoff appearance since 2016 and was named WNBA Rookie of the Year after averaging 19.2 points, 8.4 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game.
Clark is also widely expected to become a WNBA legend, with many already calling her one of the most promising prospects the league has seen in the last decade. If she stays healthy, there’s a strong belief she could go down as the greatest shooter in WNBA history.
Her deep shooting range, quick release, and confidence in pulling up from well beyond the arc have even drawn early comparisons to NBA superstar Stephen Curry. While it’s still early in her professional journey, the parallels are hard to ignore—both in style and impact.
LeBron’s legacy knows no boundaries
Clark’s admiration for LeBron James is just another example of how his influence transcends generations and even leagues. Her choice reflects the far-reaching impact James has had—not just on NBA players, but on athletes across all levels and genders. And with thoughtful reasoning behind her pick, Clark adds her voice to a debate that continues to define basketball history.