Former Los Angeles Lakers star says he was ‘startruck’ by ‘favorite player’ Caitlin Clark

Caitlin Clark took the WNBA by storm in her first season, winning WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and breaking records, including all-time single-season assist leader. Many basketball legends have praised the Indiana Fever star, with former Los Angeles Lakers player Mychal Thompson being one of the latest.

Thompson, a two-time NBA champion and father of Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson, discussed Clark’s growing impact on basketball during an appearance on Dan Dakich’s show. Sharing about one of his recent visits to Indiana, he said:

“When I was in Indy, I didn’t care about that,” Thompson told Dakich. “The only thing I remember about Indy is when I was leaving the Gainbridge Arena at a loading dock, Caitlin Clark walked right by me, and I froze. I didn’t say hello to her. How about that?“

“My favorite basketball player, outside of Klay, was right there in front of me. There she was. And I said, no, I can’t do it. But getting back to your question, you’re right. That’s what I remember most about Indiana. Caitlin Clark was right there next to me,” he joked.

Thompson was an essential piece of the Los Angeles Lakers during the Showtime era, winning championships in 1987 and 1988. Over his 12-year NBA career, he averaged 13.7 points and 7.4 rebounds, being one of the most reliable players.

What’s next for the Indiana Fever?

After signing players such as DeWanna Bonner, Sydney Colson or Natasha Howard, the Fever are now believed to be strong contenders for the title. They also remain one of the main attractions in the WNBA. Multiple teams have relocated their home games against Indiana to larger arenas to accommodate demand. The Atlanta Dream will host Indiana at State Farm Arena on May 22.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Sky’s June 7 and July 27 matchups will take place at the United Center. The Las Vegas Aces will also move their June 22 game to T-Mobile Arena.

The 2025 season begins in May, with the Fever opening at home against the Chicago Sky on May 17. With 41 of their 44 games set for national television, Clark and the Fever will remain at the center of the action.