LeBron James shows love to Caitlin Clark on his Instagram after her historic 45-point performance

Caitlin Clark put together an historic performance Friday night against the Seattle Storm. She broke Fever franchise records and set WNBA records. Her 45-point, 10-assist performance caught the eye of sports fans across the country, and even one of basketball’s all-time greats.

NBA free agent LeBron James showed the Indiana Fever star some love on his Instagram story on Saturday. James reshared a post that ESPN, SportsCenter, WNBA, and ESPN W collaborated on. The post showcased some of Clark’s best plays, including a coast-to-coast and-1, one of her four steals leading to a transition three, and of course, her last three-pointer to give the Fever the lead for good.

LeBron James and Caitlin Clark have developed one of the most unique superstar relationships in basketball. They’ve been supportive of each other since Clark was in college at Iowa. It makes sense. They’re both the face of their leagues and Nike athletes.

Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever sits on the baseline and takes photos during the Indiana Pacers game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Ind., on March 25, 2026. (Andy Lyons/Getty Images)

LEBRON JAMES CONGRATULATES CAITLIN CLARK AFTER SHE SHATTERS DIANA TAURASI'S WNBA CAREER MILESTONE RECORD

Before Clark entered the WNBA, when she was a rising star at Iowa, James was publicly supporting and defending her against critics, while praising the way she was transforming women's basketball. He compared her journey to his own experience as an 18-year-old phenom entering the NBA, noting the similarities between being labeled the face of a league, dealing with constant scrutiny, and being expected to immediately change the game. LeBron has called Clark a "transcendent player," highlighting her elite basketball IQ, passing ability, and vision, while recognizing the impact she has had on growing the WNBA.

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - JULY 09: Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever signs autographs for fans before the WNBA game against the Phoenix Mercury at Mortgage Matchup Center on July 09, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) (2026 Getty Images)

Clark has returned the favor, expressing similar admiration for LeBron, calling him one of her biggest basketball idols and describing him as the greatest of all time. (Yes, she unfortunately believes LeBron is the GOAT over Michael Jordan.)

When the two finally met in person in March of 2025, after the Los Angeles Lakers played the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis (where the Fever play their home games as well), Clark admitted the moment was surreal because she had grown up watching LeBron dominate the NBA. She has appreciated that he understands the unique challenges of being a generational talent under a microscope and has supported her through the highs and lows of her professional transition.

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CAITLIN CLARK MAKES WNBA HISTORY WITH RECORD-BREAKING GAME AFTER WEEKS OF CONTROVERSY

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA - MAY 11: LeBron James #23 of the Los Angeles Lakers looks on against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the first quarter in Game Four of the Second Round of the NBA Western Conference Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena on May 11, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images) (Getty Images)

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Their relationship does not seem to be a traditional mentor-student dynamic, but rather a connection between two athletes who have made a major impact in their respective leagues.

No matter how you feel about LeBron’s legacy, his play, his politics, or his platform, it’s nice to see how much he admires Clark and her game. She’s unlike anything the WNBA has ever seen. It’s nice to see an all-time great give her props for the best game of her young career.